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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/05/2006, C12 - APPROVAL OF USE OF LAGUNA LAKE PARK FOR PARTIAL MITIGATION OF IMPACTS OCCASIONED BY THE MARGARITA A councit Dab l agcnaa REpoRt �fl� C 14 CITY OF SAN LUIS 0 B I S P 0 FROM: Shelly Stanwyck, Assistant City Administrative Officer s . Prepared By Neil Havlik, Natural Resources Manager ItI4 SUBJECT: APPROVAL OF USE OF LAGUNA LAKE PARK FOR PARTIAL MITIGATION OF IMPACTS OCCASIONED BY THE MARGARITA AREA RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT CAO RECOMMENDATION As recommended by the Parks and Recreation Commission, authorize the use of several areas within Laguna Lake Park for partial mitigation of impacts to two rare plant species occasioned by the Margarita Area residential development. DISCUSSION Existing City policy (Section 2.58.5 of the Parks and Recreation Element and Master Plan adopted June 2001) states that upon recommendation of the Natural Resources Manager, and with concurrence of the Parks and Recreation Commission, the City Council may approve the use of City-owned lands for private mitigation purposes. Although no project-specific findings are required for such a recommendation, The Conservation and Open Space Element requires that it be demonstrated that such use is in furtherance of important City goals, and will be of benefit to the environment of the affected City property. Since last year, City staff have been working with the biological consultants Althouse and Meade, Inc., to develop a series of mitigations for biological impacts of the proposed Margarita Area residential development (Attachment 1). Most of the impacts can be mitigated on land owned by one of, the developers (King Ventures) or on land expected to be purchased from Chevron (formerly Unocal). However, the mitigation sites are not amenable to mitigation efforts for two rare plant species, adobe sanicle (Sanicula maritima) and Congdon tarplant (Hemizonia parryi ssp. congdonii), which will be affected by the residential development project. Since this residential development project is,a significant community goal, City staff have worked with the consultants to identify sites that would be appropriate for such mitigation. It has been determined that Laguna Lake Park offers the best site. This is because (1) the City has already successfully conducted mitigation efforts at Laguna Lake Park for Congdon tarplant, and (2) the park has a fairly large area of habitat suitable for the adobe sanicle. Indeed, both species already occur there naturally. The mitigation concept for Congdon tarplant is to create two or three shallow depressions near the seven existing depressions within the open space portion of Laguna Lake Park, and seed C/2-/ G:0taRWAVLIKICoancdagendaV_Vy lake Mdigation.doe them with Congdon tarplant seed obtained from the impacted sites. This has been the approach used previously with a high degree of success. Follow-up maintenance needs are minimal. For adobe sanicle, the concept is to physically transplant the impacted individuals into a number of sites both at the South Hills (on King Ventures property) and at the park. The area suitable for such transplanting at the South Hills is limited, and for that reason similar habitat at Laguna Lake Park is being proposed for this effort. It is expected that this perennial plant, transplanted in the fall, will adapt perfectly to its new home.. The mitigation effort will be completely at the expense of the developers of the Margarita Area's Western Enclave. No City costs other than minor amounts of staff time are expected. At its August 2, 2006 meeting the Parks and Recreation Commission discussed this use and unanimously recommended this private mitigation effort at Laguna Lake Park (Attachment 2). ALTERNATIVE The Council could deny the request. This is not recommended, however, for the following reasons: (1) the mitigation project is in support of a major community goal, that of affordable housing, which the Margarita Area is expected to provide, (2) the mitigation will further enrich the park by providing additional populations of these two rare plants in suitable habitat, (3) this use is. in addition to significant other mitigations not requiring the use of City lands and ultimately benefiting the community; and (4) the expected prospects for success of the effort are very high with minimal follow-up needs by City staff. Attachments 1. Report Entitled "Mitigation Activities Proposed for Laguna Lake Park", prepared by Althouse and Meade, Inc. 2. Minutes of Park and Recreation Commission Meeting of August 2, 2006 3. Excerpt from Conservation and Open Space Element, Appendix C, Management of Open Space Lands G.1SIaffWAVLIKICoun=WgendaUgum lake WWadon.doc - ' ATTACHMENT Mitigation Activities Proposed for Laguna Lake Park Adobe Sanicle and Congdon's Tarplant from the Margarita Area San Luis Obispo, California \ hd S . p•. Adobe Sanicle Congdon's Tarplant Summary prepared for City of San Luis Obispo by ALTHOUSE AND MEADE,INC. 1875 Wellsona Road Paso Robles, CA 93446 805-467-1041 July 2006 444.04 and 494.02 Alrhouse and Meade,Inc. -- ATTACHMENT I Mitigation Overview Project Proposed.residential development in the Margarita Area (Tracts 2428, 2342, and 2353) would affect patches of eight species of rare plants. Most rare plant mitigation would occur on approximately 70 acres of open space currently capable of supporting rare plants. The open space would be given to the City, and added to the South Hills Open Space (adjacent to proposed project). Additional off-site mitigation area would be required for two rare plants: adobe sanicle and Congdon's tarplant. Plants Adobe sanicle (Sanicula maritima, CNPS List 113.1) and Congdon's tarplant (Centromadia parryi ssp. congdonii, CNPS List 1B.2) are native rare plants that occur in only a few counties in California. Both species thrive in moist clay soils. Adobe sanicle is a biennial herb that occurs in clay seeps in grassland habitats. Congdon's tarplant is an annual herb that occurs in vernal wetlands (clay lowlands that are seasonally flooded). Justification for Mitigation at Laguna Lake Park Most rare plant mitigation activities would occur on Tract 2428, on land proposed for open space. Ideal habitat for adobe sanicle and Congdon's tarplant is limited on-site. Therefore, additional off-site mitigation area is required. Mitigation at Laguna Lake Park would ensure these plant species continue to thrive in the San Luis Obispo area. Both adobe sanicle and Congdon's tarplant occur naturally at Laguna Lake Park, City- owned property protected from future development. Additional plantings at the Park would enhance and expand existing rare plant populations. Once established, both plant species are low-maintenance. Past mitigation projects for Congdon's tarplant have successfully stabilized and increased the population at Laguna Lake Park. Proposed mitigation activities at Laguna Lake Park would enhance the biological value of the Park. Summary Goal- Establish 250 adobe sanicle and 350 Congdon's tarplant individuals at Laguna Lake Park. Funding: All project costs would be paid by owners of Tracts 2428, 2342, and.2353. Installation: Congdon's tarplant would be planted via seeding in two shallow depressions near other mitigation sites for Congdon's tarplant. The total area would be approximately 800 square feet Adobe sanicle would be transplanted from Tract 2428 to 10 small patches in the open space area of the park. (See attached map.) If necessary, planting would be fenced to prevent accidental trampling while transplants become established. Monitoring and Maintenance: The site would be monitored and maintained as necessary by a qualified biologist (funded by the applicants) until mitigation is complete. Existing and new population numbers of adobe sanicle and Congdon's tarplant would be determined by census. Mitigation would be complete when new plant populations are firmly established and thriving (one to five years). Mitigation Project Proposed for Laguna Lake Park 1 ul4u UW��UUYU�UV� e N mom t4 'O QIla a s� a p 0 ny v ca i_I y W W U iL }� •m m plop C c � w n_ 5 c. R ® CL I 4 td L + y`Tt, C O ur U N # i O V1 eat Ci rn Oi b0 �� � '/����� •per a+ ( 1e( ht � 3 } ^ C/a2—s Parks and Recreation Commission ATTACHMENT 2 MINUTES Council Chambers,990 Palm Street Wednesday, August 2, 2006 7:00 p.m. CALL TO ORDER Chair Pyper called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. ROLL CALL: Chair Bill Pyper, Commissioners: Richard Kriet, Gary Clay, Jill Lemieux, Don Dollar, and Ty Griffin ABSENT: Commissioner John Knight GUESTS: Agatha Reardon,Pete Jenny STAFF: Director Betsy Kiser, Marti Reynolds, Sheridan Bohlken,Todd Bunte CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES: The minutes from the June 7,2006 special meeting were approved as submitted. 1. Public Comment None. 2. Volunteer of the Month-July Commissioner Pyper introduced Volunteer of the Month Agatha Reardon. Agatha is working with Recreation Supervisor Sheridan Bohlken in the Seniors section. Agatha was instrumental in the planning of the Senior Center portion of the 4th of July Celebration. 3. Presentation by County Parks A presentation was given by County Parks Director Pete Jenny on a proposed cooperative golf program between the City and the County that has the potential to increase use at both agency's golf courses and stimulate new interest in golf. Other joint ventures between the City and County have been successful, such as Bishops Peak trail and the ballfields at El Chorro. Mr. Jenny pointed out the benefits of collaborating with the City and the resources we can share. Laguna Lake Golf Course, for example, represents a 9-hole "hitch" in the market that is good for beginner golfers. The County's Dairy Creek course offers a driving range that is not available at Laguna Lake Golf Course (LLGC). Todd Bunte pointed out the First Tee program could use Dairy Creek's driving range to improve their program, new golfers could use LLGC to prepare them for play on the more intimidating Dairy Creek course,etc.. Commissioners Griffin, Lemieux, Dollar and Pyper discussed a potential tracking system to measure the success of the program. Concern was raised as to the general state of the industry itself. Mr. Jenny expressed the desire to excite people, especially youth, and reintroduce others to the sportsmanship and honor of the game, and the thought is that this program might be a viable way of doing this. Director Kiser has approved an 18-month trial program that will honor the County's discount card at LLGC by providing card holders with a 10-play card rate. Golf course Manager Todd Bunte will track use for 18-months, and if it proves successful, staff will return to the Commission for more formal action. C.\DOCUME-A&LauwAWCAU-nremp\&ZO6�,Id, Parks and Recreation Commission—Agenda August 2, 2006 AUACWMENY 2 Page 2 of 3 4. Laguna Lake Park Neil Havlik presented the staff report to the Commission regarding the Laguna Lake Park Partial Mitigation of Impacts to Rare Plants Occasioned by the Margarita Area Residential Development. City staff have been working with biological consultants for the last year to develop a series of mitigations for biological impacts of the proposed area. Most of the impacts can be mitigated on land own by King Ventures or on land being purchased from Chevron. However, the sites are not amenable to mitigation efforts for two rare plant species; the adobe sanicle and Congdon tarplant which would be affected by the residential development. It has been determined that Laguna Lake Park offers the best site and both species already occur there naturally. Recommendation: Recommend to the City Council that the use of several areas within Laguna Lake Park for partial mitigation of impacts to two rare plant species occasioned by the Margarita Area residential development be permitted. (Kriet/Griffin)6 yes: 0 no: absent(Knight) 5. Study Session—Understanding the Budget Director Kiser presented a PowerPoint on Understanding the Budget. Using the Parks and Recreation Administration budget as an example, information was provided on how to read and interpret Operating Program Summaries, Supporting Documentation, and Monthly Revenue and Expenditure Summary sheets. Commissioners felt it was a nice summary and made the budget process very clear. Commissioner Griffin requested information on the net cost of programs to the city. Director Kiser provided information on the Cost Recovery policy recommended by the Commission and approved by the City Council which establishes cost recovery ratios and indicated that the recently completed (but not yet available)Cost of Services Study would answer questions about subsidized funding levels. 6. Staff Reports Golf Course Supervisor Todd Bunte reported on improved revenues for 2005-06;First Tee; Cal Poly's spring golf class; the completed installation of the fuel storage tank; an RFP to be issued this month for a Golf Course Architect regarding Hole #3 relocation; the inclusion of a golf course entry sign in the gift catalog; and the continued removal of trees infected with Pine Pitch Canker. Commissioners expressed interest in type of material that will be used for the replacement sign. 7. Director's Report Director Kiser briefed the Commission on the following projects: • Status of Therapy Pool. Project has been through Planning, hopefully out to bid by early spring; RFP for public art released last Friday C.-DOCUME-ilalOu LOCALS-I Mempt&2.06 mmuteS.dw i Parks and Recreation Commissiva—Agenda ATTACHMENT 2 August 2, 2006 Page 3 of 3 • Lighting and electrical installed in four art pieces (CIP); Garnett, Railroad Square repaired (Ironwood Pioneers); Icons of an Era finished in three weeks; and the "Storybook" at Duvall Ranch • Council approval of Bylaws July 18 • Contract awarded for Anholm Park • French and Laguna delays due to ADA required work • Update on the status of SESLOC and the Damon-Garcia Sports Fields overflow parking; scheduled to go before Council August 15 The Director also asked for feedback on the Park Tour. It was very well received overall, with the Commissioners stating how particularly helpful the open space walks were and the diversity of facilities visited. The Commission also discussed potentials for future tours including public art, the senior center and children's services areas; the possibility of starting later in the day; and the desire for a biannual tour if funding ever allowed. 7. Committee Reports Commissioners gave reports on Committees they attended. ■ Tree Committee—Dollar ■ Joint Use Committee—Kriet ■ Mayors Youth Task Force—no report ■ Jack House Committee—Pyper o Open Space—Clay&Dollar ■ Golf—Lemieux Commissioner Dollar reported that a walking tour has been scheduled to review the recommendations of the downtown street tree study. Commissioner Dollar discussed the draft management plan for South Hills. Commissioner Pyper reported on the Victorian Games held at the Jack House June 25; the repair of the birdbath; and the upcoming Art in the Garden on August 20. 8. Communications Commissioners Kriet,Griffin and Pyper requested agenda be emailed them in the future. 9. Adjourned The meeting adjourned at 8:52 p.m. to the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting on September 6, 2006 in the Council Hearing Room. C.IDOCUME-1 LalouseALOCALS-117emp18.2.06 minutes.d= ATTACHMENT 3 n city of san Luis osispo conserzvation ana open space clement, apuil 2006 5. The City will adopt conservation plans (or master plans with conservati i components) for large parcels, and for small parcels where conservation challenges an solutions need to be clarified. The preparation and adoption process shall foster pa cipation by resource- protection experts and by the public. On lands designated Pa (such as Laguna Lake, Mission Plaza, and Meadow Park), the plans will provid for previously established recreational uses. They may provide for passive recreatio I uses that do not adversely impact listed species and that minimize adverse impacts n other wildlife resources. The City's Lopez Canyon property (outside the San Luis ON po Planning Area) and Reservoir Canyon property will be managed as open space. 6. The City will coordinate law enforcement and ergency response with all potentially affected agencies for its open space lands. 7. The City may lease land to other agencies or organizations for maintenance or service activities, provided the lease agreement refl is all City policies and management objectives. 8. The City should lease lands designated griculture for continued agricultural use, provided the lease agreement reflects all City policies and management objectives. 9. The City may provide services tow maintain resource-protection lands owned by others, where warranted by adjacency to/City-owned land and long-term resource-protection needs. Such activity shall be subject to;'an agreement approved by the City Council. The costs for such services shall be borne by the owner, unless the City Council determines that bearing part or all of the cost is necespi ry to implement City policies. i 10. The City will monitor its open space holdings often enough for timely discovery and response to problems such as substantial hazards, encroachment, trespass, and degradation of resources. 11. The City may enlist volunteers, including community organizations and neighboring landowners, to help/monitor and maintain open space and recreational resources. Volunteers will receive training appropriate to the tasks they will be performing, including recognition of situations and conditions requiring professional response. 12. The City will;maintain a publicly accessible inventory of the location and type of its open space holding's and easements. The inventory will contain or be linked to documentation of the initial cdhdition, and the evolving conditions, of land and easement areas that it acquires. B. When coppatible with the primary purpose of the open space, the City should use revenue from opf, space lands, such as agricultural lease payments, to fund open-space maintenance. Such revenues may also be used to acquire open space. 14. Mitigation for the impacts of private projects shall generally be conducted on private lands. However, special circumstances may arise that justify use of City-owned land as a mitigation site: 84 ATTACHMENT 3 e city of san Luis oaispo conseuvation Ana open space element. apRiL 2006 A. Where there is a clear City benefit from a transaction that involves the use of City land as a mitigation site, or B. Where General Plan goals will be furthered by the appropriate use of City lands for mitigation purposes. Private mitigation actions on City-owned land shall have a clear resource-protection or amenity value to the site, and shall be subject to approval by the City Council. Mitigation at a City park shall be subject to review and recommendation by the Parks and Recreation Commission. Mitigation on City-owned open space shall be I subject to review and recommendation by the Natural Resources Manager. 1 15. The City may form an Open Space Committee to advise staff on open space acquisition and management. 85 cis -�