DEPARTMENT: Transportation & Capital Improvements
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Mike Frisbie, P.E.
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: Council District 3
SUBJECT:
Funding Agreement with Jubilee Academic Center
SUMMARY:
An ordinance authorizing the execution of a Funding Agreement with Jubilee Academic Center, Inc. and accepting up to 50% of the cost, or $36,400.00, for the construction and installation of two sets of advanced warning flashers, in Council District 3.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The City of San Antonio’s School Flashing Beacon Challenge Program provides up to a 50% match from the City for the installation of flashing beacons or upgrades to existing flashing beacons for schools interested in partnering for these improvements. Funding for the program is available from the FY 2017 School Pedestrian Safety Improvements Program.
The flashing beacons will primarily support the Athlos Leadership Academy located at 4427 Chandler Road near the intersection of Chandler Road and South W.W. White Road. The Athlos Leadership Academy, a subsidiary of the Jubilee Academic Center, is a public charter school that currently serves over 1,160 students from Kindergarten to Grade 12.
ISSUE:
This ordinance authorizes the execution of a Funding Agreement with Jubilee Academic Center, Inc. and accepts up to 50% of the cost, or $36,400.00, for the construction and installation of two sets of advanced warning flashers adjacent to Athlos Leadership Academy campus located at 4427 Chandler Road in Council District 3.
The Jubilee Academic Center is interested in completing the installation of two sets of flashing beacon assemblies to include two roadside mounted solar powered flashing beacons along Chandler Road, and two overhead mast arm mounted solar powered flashing beacons along W.W. White Road. Jubilee Academic Center has requested the City’s services to construct and install the necessary equipment for the flashing beacon assemblies to help draw motorist attention to the existing school warning signs. The estimated total cost for construction and installation for the two sets of flashing beacons assemblies is $72,800.00. The Jubilee Academic Center will fund 50% of the total amount ($36,400.00) and the remaining 50% will be provided by the City.
The construction and installation will be completed by an on-call contractor by March 31, 2018. This date includes the design, obtaining a power source, and the construction of the project.
The 50% match cost share program has been available since October 1, 2008. The City previously approved similar funding agreements for Incarnate Word High School in March 2010, the School of Science and Technology in April 2011, and most recently for IDEA Public School South Flores in October 2016.
ALTERNATIVES:
City Council could choose not to enter into the Funding Agreement with The Jubilee Academic Center. However, the City would lose a financial partner in providing school safety improvements and any future installations would be 100% funded by the City.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The total estimated cost of construction and installation of the two roadside and two mast arm mounted solar powered flashing beacons is $72,800.00. The City will receive 50% of the cost in an amount up to $36,400.00 from the Jubilee Academic Center, Inc. for the Athlos Leadership Academy on Chandler Road. The remaining 50% will be funded from the FY 2017 School Pedestrian Safety Improvements Program, a Certificate of Obligation funded project, included in the 2017-2022 Capital Improvement Program Budget.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of the Funding Agreement with Jubilee Academic Center in order to complete the construction and installation of two sets of advanced warning school zone flashing beacons adjacent to Athlos Leadership Academy campus.