REPORT TO SHASTA COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

BOARD MEETING DATE:  January  23, 2018
CATEGORY:  Consent - Public Works-14.

SUBJECT:

Gas Point Road Widening Project – Right of Way

Supervisorial District No. :  5

DEPARTMENT CONTACT:  Pat Minturn, Public Works Director, (530) 225-5661

STAFF REPORT APPROVED BY:  Pat Minturn, Public Works Director

RECOMMENDATION

Take the following actions regarding the “Gas Point Road Widening Project,” Contract No. 702976: (1) Find the project categorically exempt in conformance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15301, Class 1-Existing Facilities; (2) approve and authorize the Chairman to sign right-of-way contracts with: (a) Dennis Huhtala and Arline Huhtala for right-of-way (0.09 acres at $6,145) plus a Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) signing incentive of $1,000; (b) Gretchen J. Lasater for right-of-way (0.26 acres at $2,400) plus a FHWA signing incentive of $1,000; (c) Suzanne Sargent for right-of-way (0.27 acres at $9,900) plus a FHWA signing incentive of $1,000; (d) Thomas Richards and Lisa Richards for right-of-way (0.02 acres at $2,050) plus a FHWA signing incentive of $1,000; and (e) Nancy Garber for right-of-way (0.66 acres at $4,400) plus a FHWA signing incentive of $1,000; and (3) accept five Easement Deeds conveying the right-of-way parcels.

SUMMARY

Right-of-way acquisition is proposed to widen Gas Point Road.

DISCUSSION

The County is preparing to add a center turn lane and paved shoulders on Gas Point Road from Stone Gate Drive to Charles Street.  Minor alterations to existing highways are categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).  The project will require the acquisition of ten right-of-way parcels.  Agreements have been reached with the first five owners.  Local agencies may offer a bonus to property owners who sign in a timely manner.  The incentives must be offered equally to all property owners and are reimbursable by FHWA.  All of the five subject property owners signed within the requisite sixty days of accepting the first written offer.  Negotiations with the remaining property owners continue.

ALTERNATIVES

The Board may decline to make the CEQA findings and/or acquire the right-of-way.  These steps are necessary to construct the project.

OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT

Caltrans oversees the project funding.  County Counsel has approved the contracts as to form.  Risk Management has reviewed and approved the contracts.  The recommendation has been reviewed by the County Administrative Office.

FINANCING

The total project cost estimate is $1,300,000.  Federal funds will cover 90%.  Adequate funds are included in the Adopted FY 2017/18 Roads budget.  There is no General Fund impact.