Committee backs Rancho Verona–Yucca as SB 1 candidate for next year’s street rehab

The committee voted to support staff’s recommendation that the Rancho Verona–Yucca neighborhood be the city’s primary candidate for SB 1 (Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017) funding in the coming fiscal year.

Staff said the project is construction-ready: geotechnical investigations and pavement core data are complete, allowing more accurate cost estimates. ‘‘The one project that staff is recommending for the SB 1 funds for next fiscal year is the Rancho Verona–Yucca area,’’ the presenter said, noting the project’s estimated cost is about $3.8 million, which aligns with the committee’s projection of roughly $3.8–4.0 million in SB 1 dollars.

The presenter told the committee the timing is important because Rancho Verona–Yucca is part of a multi-phase water-main replacement; completing pavement work after the water work allows the neighborhood to be restored cohesively and avoids re-trenching newly paved streets. Committee members pressed staff on budget flexibility and whether additional construction costs would require further council approval. Staff said construction bids will determine final costs and that the city could return to council to request supplemental funds or reallocate savings from other projects.

Committee member comments recognized tradeoffs among deserving neighborhoods but generally supported the staff recommendation. After public comments, the clerk called roll; the motion passed with members present voting in favor and one member absent. The committee’s action is advisory; staff will forward the recommendation to city council and, if council approves the project list, staff will submit it to the California Transportation Commission to remain SB 1-eligible.

The committee’s vote advances the Rancho Verona–Yucca project toward council consideration, but final funding and any additional allocations will depend on bid outcomes and subsequent council decisions.