HomeMy WebLinkAboutR-11437 support for the Downtown Area as the preferred location for a new facility for the Superior Court of California (County of San Luis Obispo Courthouse)R 11437
RESOLUTION NO. 11437 (2023 SERIES)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS
OBISPO, CALIFORNIA, EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR THE
DOWNTOWN AREA AS THE PREFERRED LOCATION FOR A NEW
FACILITY FOR THE SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA (COUNTY OF
SAN LUIS OBISPO COURTHOUSE)
WHEREAS, the City of San Luis Obispo is the largest city in the County of San
Luis Obispo; and
WHEREAS, on July 18, 2023, the City Council expressed support for the Court
location to remain in the downtown; and
WHEREAS, the Judicial Council of California (Judicial Council) is responsible for
and has final approval authority over all court facilities projects pursuant to the Trial Court
Facilities Act (Gov. Code §§70301 et seq.); and
WHEREAS, the Judicial Council of California is the Lead Agency for the
evaluation, environmental review, siting, funding, and construction of a Court Facility
pursuant to CEQA Guidelines 15051(a) and the City will work with the State during the
development and environmental review stages of the project and may submit comments
as a responsible agency as defined under CEQA; and
WHEREAS, the City Council acknowledges that the final design, location, and
timing of siting of any potential Court Facility has not been determined at this time, and
ultimately will be decided by the State of California through the Judicial Council of
California; and
WHEREAS, the City Council acknowledges that, if a location in the Downtown is
selected, it may be necessary for the City to:
1. Abandon a portion of Toro Street between Palm Street and Monterey Street
2. Realignment of utilities on Toro Street
3. Abandonment of a portion of the alley between Toro Street and Santa Rosa
Street
4. Close street parking on Monterey Street along the courthouse property frontage
between Toro Street and Santa Rosa Street
5. Participate in public processes necessary to the Judicial Council’s efforts to
implement the project, including compliance with the California Environmental
Quality Act; and
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WHEREAS, the process by which a new courthouse is sited and constructed is
lengthy; and
WHEREAS, it is the intent of the City to collaborate with the San Luis Obispo
Superior Courts to facilitate a location within the City of San Luis Obispo as the Judicial
Council of California decides to prioritize the courthouse needs for San Luis Obispo
County; and
WHEREAS, any proposed project to develop a public facility will require adherence
to CEQA processes to ensure consideration of environmental impact; and
WHEREAS, the City’s policy and planning documents support the downtown as a
location for a Court Facility; and
WHEREAS, the City values intergovernmental partnerships to promote efficiency
and maximize public value.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of San Luis
Obispo as follows:
1. The City supports the continued location of the San Luis Obispo Superior
Courts within the Downtown area of the City of San Luis Obispo; and
2. The City commits to promote and creatively participate in the responsible
development of the Court Facility in the vicinity of the Downtown by supporting
the efforts of the Judicial Council and San Luis Obispo County Superior Court
to define a proposed Project Description, identify a preferred site and/or
alternative site location, and to implement the Judicial Council’s project
consistent with the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act
and other applicable law and public hearing requirements.
3. The City commits to working with the State in its efforts to mitigate the project’s
potential effects on circulation and to optimize traffic flow and access to Toro
Street, Monterey Street (consistent with the needs of the project), and the
Monterey/Palm Alley during and after construction of the new San Luis Obispo
Courthouse.
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4. This action is not subject to the California Environmental Quality Act under
State CEQA guidelines §15262 as it is a commitment to study and this
resolution is not a statement of commitment and that full environmental analysis
of the project including any transportation or other related impacts shall be
analyzed by the Judicial Council who shall serve as lead agency and the City
of San Luis Obispo may submit comments as a responsible agency and work
with the State of California on CEQA compliance.
Upon motion of Council Member Shoresman, seconded by Council Member
Francis, and on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Council Member Francis, Pease, Shoresman, Vice Mayor Marx, and
Mayor Stewart
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
The foregoing resolution was adopted this 18th day of July 2023.
__________________________
Mayor Erica A. Stewart
ATTEST:
______________________
Teresa Purrington
City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
______________________
J. Christine Dietrick
City Attorney
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the official seal of the
City of San Luis Obispo, California, on ______________________.
_________________________
Teresa Purrington
City Clerk
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7/20/2023 | 8:58 AM PDT