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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-11-08 City CouncilTO: City ofPalo Alto City Manager’s Report HONORABLE CITY COUNCIL FROM:CITY MANAGER DEPARTMENT: PUBLIC WORKS DATE:NOVEMBER 8, 2004 CMR:417:04 SUB3ECT:APPROVAL AND ADOPTION OF A PARK IMPROVEMENT ORDINANCE ASSOCIATED WITH THE IMPROVEMENT OF THE LUCY EVANS BAYLANDS NATURE INTERPRETIVE CENTER PARKING LOT IN BYXBEE PARK AND . CITY-OWNED BAYLANDS RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that Council approve and adopt the attached Park Improvement Ordinance for approving and adopting plans for parking lot improvements in the Lucy Evans Baylands Nature Interpretive Center parking lot in Byxbee Park (Attachment A). BACKGROUND Palo Alto Municipal Code 22.08.005 requfles that, prior to approving or commencing "any substantial building, construction, reconstruction or development" in any dedicated parkland, the City Council approve and adopt by ordinance a plan (Attachment B) showing the improvements. The plan must show, "as applicable, the nature, function, size, extent and general appearance of the proposed project." DISCUSSION The existing parldng lot adjacent to the Baylands Nature Interpretive Center (Attachment A) has settled since it was constructed in 1967, and water pools, along the entire length of the center of the parking lot. Run-off flows onto a decomposed granite pedestrian path along the edge of the parking lot and then dh’ectly into the marsh. The proposed project would demolish the surface of the existing parking lot, add sufficient base rock to slope the new surface of the parking lot towards the south, repave the lot in the same size and with the same material (asphalt), and install a new valley gutter on the south side of the parking lot to collect run-off water and divert it through new bio-swales (areas planted with plants that naturally filter contaminated run-off water). The run-off water would pass through bio-swale areas on each side of the parking lot before flowing into the lagoon through a new 6" drain pipe running underneath the adjacent footpath. The number of parking spaces will be reduced fiom 44 to 43 in order to incorporate landscaped planting islands. The design includes two accessible parking spaces closest to the Nature Center. Staff is planning to construct this project during the spring of 2005. CMR:417: 0 4 Page 1 of 3 The ~prov~ement of~the Lucy Evans Bay~ands Nature Interpretive Center parking lot has b~een ~fided by~Capitai:I~p~oVement Project 10003 - Baylands Parking Improvements. Funding in the amount of $140,000 was approved in the FY 2003-04 CIP budget for the Interpretive Center parking lot. This funding has been carried over to the current fiscal year. PROJECT REVIEW The Evans parking lot resin-facing project was initially budged in the Capital Improvement Program for FY 2003-2004. These projects have been reviewed by the following boards and commissions: Park and Recreation Commission At its Janum3z 28, 2003, regular meeting, the Parks and Recreation Commission considered the proposed Park Improvement Ordinance for consistency with park uses for recreation and conservation. The Commission received comments from the public on the proposed improvements and asked staff to respond. The Commission voted unanimously to: "Recommend to the City Council that a Park Improvement Ordinance should be approved for these project plans in that they enhance the recreational value of Byxbee Park and City-owned Baylands. Further, the City Council should encourage staff to keep- improvements as natural as possible." A second motion was made and approved unanimously: "We encourage staff to consider the goal of preserving the natural setting of the Baylands and to aim for zero-runoffthrough the use ofbio-swales and through the choice of materials." Refer to Attachment C for the meeting minutes. Architectural Review Board At its July 1, 2004, regular meeting, the Architectural Review Board reviewed the Evans Nature Center parking lot project. The Board requested modifications to the plans to add landscaping planters with each row of parking. On August 19, 2004, the revised plans were returned to the Board and approved by consent. This project has been coordinated between the Utilities Department, the Public Works Department and the Planning and Community Environment’s Transportation Division. POLICY IIV[PLICATIONS Improvement and maintenance of City facilities and parking lots furthers Policy N-1 of the Comprehensive Plan by managing open space areas in a manner that meets habitat protection goals, public safety concerns, and low impact recreation needs. These improvements also further Policy C-19 of the Comprehensive Plan by providing better access to persons with disabilities at public facilities. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW The replacement or reconstruction of existing facilities with no change in location or capacity is exempt from review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) CMR:417:04 Page 2 of 3 pursuant to Section 15302 of the CEQA Guidelines (replacement or reconstruction of existing facilities) and Section 15311 (accessory structures). Accordingly, this project is exempt from CEQA review. ~~,~~ _.PREPARED BY: CHRIS RAFFERTY DEPARTMENT HEAD: Part,Planner, Public Works ~ngin, eering GLENN S. ROBERTS Director of Public Works CITY MANAGER APPROVAL: ~IiLY HARRIS-ON Assistant City Manager ATTACHMENTS Attachment A:Ordinance Atta(hment B:Plans for Lucy Evans Baylands Interpretive Center Parking Lot Attachment C:Adopted minutes from the January 28, 2003 Parks and Recreation: Commission 0MR:417:04 Page 3 of 3 ATTACH~ENT A NOT YET APPROVED ORDINANCE NO. ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO APPROVING AND ADOPTING PLANS FOR PARKING LOT IMPROVEMENTS IN BYXBEE PARK The Council of the City of Palo Alto does ORDAIN as follows: SECTION I. Findings.The City Council finds and declares that: (a)Article VIII of the Chapter of the City of Palo Alto and Section 22.08.005 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code require that, before any substantial building, construction, reconstruction or development is commenced or approved, upon or with respect to any land held by the City for park purpose, the council shall first cause to be prepared and by ordinance approve and adopt a plan therefore. (b) Byxbee Park dedicated to park purposes. and the City-owned Baylands are (c)The Lucy Evans Baylands Nature Interpretive Center parking lot located within Byxbee Park and the city-owned Baylands has .settled and needs to be reconstructed to address .water run-off problems. The City intends to reconstruct the parking lot as shown on the site plan (the "Lucy Evans Parking Lot Reconstruction Plan") attached as Attachment ~A" including the following improvements: (i) Demolition and reconstruction of the entire parking lot including new base rock and pavement for a total of 43 parking spaces. (2) Installation of a new valley gutter on the south side of the parking lot. (3) Installation of bio-swales, islands and a biofiltration drain inlet. landscaped (4)Installation of three bike racks. nature trail. (5)Reconstruction of 213 linear feet of the 041008 sm nm 0100296.1 ~L NOT YET APPROVED (d) The reconstruction of the Lucy Evans Baylands Nature Interpretive Center parking lot is limited to an existing developed area, will improve drainage of the parking lot, and run-off water will be captured and haturally filtered through bioswales. As a result, inconvenience to the public caused by large puddles will be eliminated and potential contamination of the marsh habitat and waters from run-off water will be avoided. Use of native vegetation in areas that were previously covered in gravel will benefit wildlife habitat. Accordingly, these improvements are consistent with park and conservation purposes. (e)The Council desires to approve the improvements as more specifically described on the site plan attached hereto as Attachment "A’. SECTION 2. The City Council hereby approves the Lucy Evans Parking Lot Reconstruction Plan for reconstruction and construction of improvements within Byxbee Park and the City- owned Baylands. and hereby adopts the site plan attached hereto as Attachment "A" as part of the official plan for the construction of improvements within Byxbee Park and the City- owned Baylands. SECTION 3. The Council finds that the project to reconstruct the Lucy Evans Baylands Nature Interpretive Center Parking lot is categorically exempt from review under the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to the provisions of Sections 15302 and 15311 of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations. II II II II II II. II 041008 sm nra 0100296.1 2 YET APPgOVED SECTION 4. This ordinance shall be effective thirty-first day after the date of its adoption. INTRODUCED: PASSED: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: ABSTENTIONS: ATTEST: on City Clerk APPROVED AS TO FORM: Mayor APPROVED: Sr. Assistant City Attorney City Manager Director of Community Services Director of Administrative Services the 041008 sm nra 0100296.1 3 ATTACHB~ENT El I iiJ ATTACH[~ENT C APPR 0 VED MINUTES PARKS & RECREATION COMNHSSION RE GULAR MEETING Jannary 28, 2003 Palo Alto City Hall Council Conference Room 250 Hamilton Avenue Commissioners Present:Richard Beckwith, William Garvey, Ellie Gioumousis, Jennifer Hagan, Edie Keating, Judith Steiner and Lylm Torin Commissioners Absent: Others Present: None Joe Saccio, Deputy Director of ASD Peter Ahn, Youth Council Nicole Remey, Youth Council Donald Hughes, Golf Advisory Council Russell Murray, Committee ad Large Member Staff Present:Dan Williams, Paul Dias, Greg Betts, Dawn Calvert, Patrick Larkin, Virginia ,~:~L_ o~tooun~ CALL TO ORDER:Meeting called to order by Lynn Torin at 7:05 pm ROLL CALL:Conducted by Virginia Gibbons. AGENDA CHANGES, REQUESTS, and DELETIONS: Change!tem #3 to Item #4. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS: None BUSINESS: Approval of Draft Minutes of December 17~ 2002 Special and Reffular Meeting. Minutes of the December 17, 2002 Special Meeting were approved as written, The minutes of the regular meeting were not approved pending further clarification. Commission Keating requested clarification of her comments regarding the issue of flood control on the Matadero Creek Project. Commissioner Hagan requested that clarification regarding the absence of Commissioner Garvey be noted in the motion section of the minutes. APPR 0 VED City of Palo Alto Lon~ Range Financial Plan. Joe Saccio, Deputy director of ASD, explained to the Commission that at the City Manager’s request, ASD is meeting with all commissions and boards to review the City’s financial plan and explain the processes that the plan details. Major revenues, business and occupancy tax, are jeopardized with the state of the present economy. The state govermnent is taking back vehicle license fee taxes and occupancy is down 38%. The City is looking at controlling costs (health care premiums, pension costs, PERS contributions, etc.) now. Not controlling the budget now would lead to large deficits over the next few years, with a possible $19 million deficit by 2013. City Departments have been requested to come with 3% and 5% cuts, and 2% for 2005. By cutting budget over next few years it’s expected the budget will be balanced after 2005. Although the City has some reserves, they would not last long, so it’s important to keep budget balanced. In mid-June the Council will review the budget for finalization and approval. It is up to the City Manager to present the budget to Council and as an advisory body, the Commission may advise Council regarding changes Parks and Recreation Division. Youth Master Plan Report. (Previously Agenda Item #4). Dawn Calvert introduced the draft Youth Master Plan (YMP) Report and gave a brief background of the YMP. Since this report is still under review by the City Manager, no copies will be distributed at this time. Patrick Larkin, Recreation Supervisor, introduced members of the Youth Council who gave visual presentation to the Commission explaining the YMP. There was a brief question and answer period after the presentation. The Commission was impressed with the Youth Council and the amount of work they had put into the plan, as well as their on-going commitment to the plan. It was noted by Commissioner Torin that the Youth Council is a City government advisor and on equal basi~ with the City’s advisory commissions. Election of 2003 Commission Chair and Vice Chair. (Previously Agenda Bern #3). Commissioner Steiner nominated Commissioner Garvey for the position of Chairperson. Commissioner Beekwith seconded the motion. FOR: 7; AGAINST: 0. Commissioner Hagen nominated Commissioner Keating for the position of Vice-Chairperson. Commissioner Gioumousis seconded the motion. FOR: 7; AGAINST: 0. Bavlands Park Amendment Ordinance. Oral Communication: APPROVED Emily Renzel, 1056, Forest, Palo Alto. Greg will be happy to hear that I find nothing wrong with this proposal. I do have one concern and that is a design issue; bike lanes on both sides of the road, as well as stripes and bumps will create a more urban atmosphere in open space. I wish striping was not necessary, and perhaps a creative way could be devised to mark lanes without paint. Greg Betts requested the Commission’s approval of a Park Amendment Ordinance (PAO) before taking the PAO to the ARB. There are three projects, all in the harbor area of the Baylands. #1 : Grant requirement for the Bay Trails must meet needs of bicyclists to have access to the marshland. The plan is to widen the road to accommodate bicycles, use asphalt curbs along the edges to reduce clutter (posts, etc.) along the road and install humps to help reduce auto use. #2: Rehabilitation of the Lucy Evans Baylands Nature Interpretation parking lot. Plants will be used for bioremediation of the run-off water to remove pollutants before it enters the marsh. The gravel area at the end of the parking lot would go back to natural habitat. To respond to the concern of a more urban looldng Baylands, Greg noted that it might be possible to use 1-1/2" a stripe instead of the usual 3" stripe. The planned parking spaces are slightly larger (11’ per car) than urban parking spaces (9-10’ per car), which will add to a more open feeling than downtown parking. Although a 4’ bike lane is planned for each side of the road, there will be no stripe down middle of road. #3: is a Utilities Department project to remove the utility poles and place the lines underground. As a Utilities project, there would be no cost to Open Space. The project will update the cables, giving the Baylands better computer access lines and improve the look of the Baylands by reducing visual clutter. Commissioner Torin raised the question of can the electrical utility boxes be matte more waterproof to prevent downtime? Greg responded that since there are only fou{buildings in that area, only four connections are required, and therefore less chance of a downtime problem. Commissioner Gioumousis asked whether the eucalyptus trees could be removed. Greg responded that during the last storm four trees had gone down and were being replaced with native willows. Also, that any future tree replacement would be done with willows. Commissioner Hagan made a motion that Council endorse the PAO as recommended by staff. Commissioner Keating amended the motion to include "enhance recreation value." A third amendment by Commissioner APPR 0 VED Keating requested to "encourage staff to keep improvements as natural as possible." FOR: 7; AGAINST: 0 Commissioner Gioumousis raised the question of building materials and fi~rther discussion ensued on this issue. Commissioner Keating drafted the following motion: "We encourage staff to consider the goal of preserving the natural setting of the Baylands and to aim for zero-runoff through the use of bio-swales and through the choice of materials." FOR: 7; AGAINST: 0 AGENDA FOR FEBRUARY 25, 2003 MEETING There was a brief discussion of the February agenda. Staff informed Chair Garvey that there are already three items on the agenda for the February meeting. A draft agenda listing these three items will be sent to the Chair for his review. A~ny additional items will be added to the agenda before the next meeting. ANNOUNCEMENTS The Fields issue was presented to Council and received a supportive unanimous vote. The Commission received a card from the Ciardella’s thanking the Commission for support their support. Each Commissioner received a copy of a complaint letter from Mr. Irwin regarding the will review the letter and send a formal replay. It was noted that Commissioner Garvey was quoted in an article in the Weekly that was written about the Fields Committee presenatation to City Council. Commissioner Torin reminded the Commission about the Cityworks updates and the Commissions update of Scheduled Topics. _~)JOURNMENT Meeting adjourned at 8:55.