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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-10-2018 Item 01 - Anholm Bike Plan Meeting Date: 4/10/2018 FROM: Christine Dietrick, City Attorney Daryl Grigsby, Director of Public Works Prepared By: Timothy Scott Bochum, Deputy Director of Public Works Jake Hudson, Transportation Manager SUBJECT: CONSIDERATION OF AMENDED ANHOLM BICYCLE PLAN AND RESOLUTION FINALLY ADOPTING THE AMENDED PLAN RECOMMENDATION 1. Rescind Resolution No. 10866 (2018 Series) as adopted on February 20th, 2018; and 2. Adopt a revised Resolution approving the Anholm Bicycle Plan, reflecting any modifications or amendments previously directed by the City Council and that may be directed by the City Council through and including the conclusion of its deliberations and action at its April 10, 2018 meeting. DISCUSSION On February 20, 2018 Council adopted a resolution approving a modified Anholm Bike Plan. This item had been duly noticed under State of California requirements and the action took place after Council took public comment and engaged in a public process of deliberating, arriving at concurrence on amendments and taking action on the properly noticed agenda item that was clearly sufficient to apprise the public that the Anholm Bike Plan was up for discussion and action. On March 12, 2018 the City received a Brown Act Cure and Correct demand letter submitted by Richard Schmidt and Keith Gurnee representing a group named “Anholm Citizens for Open Government”. The letter outlines certain beliefs that the Council violated statutes of the Ralph M. Brown Act by pulling the item from the Consent portion of the Agenda, discussing the item , accepting public comment and then taking action on a modified Plan. The Brown Act requires that the public be given notice of items to be discussed and an opportunity to comment on those items on the Council’s agenda before the Council takes action. The Brown Act does not require the Council to act precisely as staff recommends, or even as the public may expect or desire, once it considers a duly noticed agenda item at an open, public meeting – this includes items that have been placed upon the Consent portion of a public agenda. Specifically, § 54954.2(a)(1) of the Brown Act requires that: At least 72 hours before a regular meeting, the legislative body of the local agency, or its designee, shall post an agenda containing a brief general description of each item of business to be transacted or discussed at the meeting, including items to be discussed in closed session. A brief general description of an item generally need not exceed 20 words. The agenda shall specify the time and location of the regular m eeting and shall be posted in a location that is freely accessible to members of the public and on the local Packet Pg 3 1 agency's Internet Web site, if the local agency has one The City Attorney has reviewed the claims outlined in the Letter and concludes that: 1) The Council acted within its discretion to make modifications to a legislative/policy action to adopt a bikeway plan. 2) The Brown Act in no way limits the Council’s authority to reject a staff recommendation or change direction on a properly noticed item after public input and council deliberation. 3) There was no Brown Act violation related to the Council’s action; Council engaged in the public process of deliberating, arriving at concurrence on amendments and taking action on a properly noticed agenda item that was clearly sufficient to apprise the public that the Anholm Bike Plan was up for discussion and action. The City’s primary objectives in its public engagement is to accommodate different perspectives and encourage more residents to be informed an d involved in shaping decisions. Communities work best when residents, organizations and institutions are engaged and working together for the good of all even when those issues are controversial and without consensus. The people who live, work and play here take enormous pride in this city and care deeply about keeping it healthy and vibrant even when the Council makes difficult decisions. Although the City Attorney has found that no violation of the Brown Act occurred, for these reasons staff is recommending that Council rescind the prior resolution adopted on February 20th and take separate action on the Anholm Bikeway Plan as discussed at the February 6th and 20th meetings of the Council with an updated Resolution. While the Anholm Bikeway Plan itself remains as Council approved at its February 20th meeting, the updated resolution—included as Attachment A--includes new recitals providing further background on public meetings and actions on the Bikeway Plan to date. A full copy of the Anholm Bikeway Plan, as finally adopted, will be maintained on file at the City Clerk’s office. Anholm Bikeway Plan The Anholm Bikeway Plan is structured in three phases as outlined below. Phase I a) Construct Bicycle/Pedestrian Crossing Signal at Foothill & Ferrini b) Construct Class I Bicycle/Pedestrian Bicycle Path between Foothill & Ramona c) Install Class IV Cycle Track in place of on-street parking on North side of Ramona d) Initiate a residential parking district e) Further evaluate Broad, Mission, Chorro & Lincoln Streets to determine if a Class III shared street with traffic calming and diversion on Broad, coupled with measures to mitigate impacts on Lincoln and other streets, is acceptable to the community. If a solution cannot be developed to achieve established multi-modal goals, return with a plan for protected bikeways. Packet Pg 4 1 Phase II a) Implement design for Broad, Mission, Chorro, and Lincoln developed in Phase 1 b) Construct Streetscape, Lighting & Artwork improvements at Chorro & Highway 101 Undercrossing c) Construct extension of buffered bike lanes on Chorro from Palm to Lincoln. d) Construct Class III Shared Street on Chorro from Palm to Monterey e) Conduct performance monitoring & report to Council at 12 and 24 months after implementation. Phase III a) Based on performance monitoring, reconsideration of further bikeway improvements for shared street portion of route between Lincoln & Ramona. Potential improvements to be considered at this time may include features such as protected bike lanes, installation of a traditional bicycle boulevard on Broad Street, or permanent traffic calming measures. b) Incremental installation of ancillary spot improvements such as sidewalks, curb ramps, additional street lighting and physical separation within Chorro bike lane buffers between Palm and Lincoln. Phase I Status Update At the time of this report, staff is currently underway preparing construction documents for the Foothill Crossing Signal, Class I Church path, and Ramona Class IV cycle track with construction tentatively scheduled in the fourth quarter of 2018. Formation of the residential parking district is also underway. The tentative schedule and work program for the final task under phase I which is further evaluation of Broad, Mission, Chorro & Lincoln, “the middle section”, is as depicted in the figure below. Packet Pg 5 1 ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW The Anholm Bike Plan is categorially exempt from CEQA under Class 1, Existing Facilities; Section 15301 and Class 4, Minor Alterations to Land, because the project would be constructed on existing city streets within the public right of way. Supplemental environmental review may be required depending on the outcome of continued planning work for the middle section. FISCAL IMPACT The fiscal impact associated with adoption of the Anholm Bikeway Plan is unchanged since the prior council action on February 20th. ALTERNATIVES The Council has full discretion and may direct staff to make additional changes to the plan. Attachments: a - Council Resolution Adopting the Anholm Bikeway Plan Packet Pg 6 1 R ______ RESOLUTION NO. ______ (2018 SERIES) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING THE ANHOLM BIKEWAY PLAN WHEREAS, the Bicycle Transportation Plan and the Land Use and Circulation Elements to the General Plan support reducing use of single-occupant motor vehicles by supporting alternatives, such as walking and bicycling; and WHEREAS, the Circulation Element to the General Plan has modal split objectives of 20 percent for bicycles and 18 percent for walking, carpools, and other forms of transportation; and WHEREAS, the proposed Anholm Bikeway Plan calls for implementation of bicycle facilities that have been shown in other communities to provide substantial benefits to bicycle safety and increase bicycle mode share; and WHEREAS, the City has identified Multi-Modal Transportation as a Major City Goal, with the purpose of prioritizing implementation of the Bicycle Transportation Plan, pedestrian safety, and the Short-Range Transit Plan; and WHEREAS, the Bicycle Transportation Plan recommends development of a low-impact route for bicyclists and pedestrians connecting the downtown core to Foothill Boulevard as a “first priority” project; and WHEREAS, the City has adopted a Vision Zero policy to eliminate all fatal traffic deaths and severe injuries by 2030, with a focus on improving pedestrian and bicyclist safety; and WHEREAS, the City coordinated with neighbors and other community members on outreach and public input through community meetings and other methods; and WHEREAS, on January 18, 2018 the Bicycle Advisory Committee reviewed the Anholm Bikeway Plan at a public hearing and provided recommendations to the City Council. WHEREAS, on February 6, 2018 the City Council, after substantial public input and debate reviewed the draft Anholm Bikeway Plan and conceptually approved the plan with phase 1 as presented, a modified phase 2 with traffic calming signage and crosswalks along Broad & Chorro, in lieu of a cycle track and parking removal, with performance monitoring reports at 12 and 24 months, and a modified phase 3 with reconsideration of protected lanes, traditional bike boulevard on Broad Street, and other traffic calming measures at that time; and WHEREAS, on February 20, 2018, the Council further considered the previously directed amendments to the proposed Anholm Bikeway Plan, pursuant to a duly noticed Council agenda item, which apprises the public that the Anholm Bikeway Plan was on the agenda and scheduled for discussion and action by the City Council. Packet Pg 7 1 Resolution No. _____ (2018 Series) Page 2 WHEREAS, during the February 20, 2018 City Council meeting, the Council solicited and received public comment on the duly noticed agenda item and, following public comment, engaged in a public process of deliberating, arriving at concurrence on additional amendments discussed at the meeting, and acting to adopt a resolution approving a modified Anholm Bikeway Plan reflecting amendments discussed and agreed upon during the duly noticed public meeting; and WHEREAS, The Council acted within its discretion and in compliance with applicable law to make further modifications to the staff recommendation and proposed resolution adopting the bikeway plan prior to final adoption of the plan; and WHEREAS, the City is committed to public engagement and actions that encourage more residents to be informed and involved in shaping important community decisions and, therefore, the City Council has placed the Anholm Bikeway Plan on the Council agenda for further discussion and action; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of San Luis Obispo that SECTION 1. Findings. This Council, after consideration of the Anholm Bikeway Plan as recommended by the Bicycle Advisory Committee, and subsequent modifications directed after further Council deliberation and consideration of staff recommendations and public testimony, makes the following findings: 1. The Anholm Bikeway Plan is consistent with the City’s General Plan and Bicycle Transportation Plan. 2. The Anholm Bikeway Plan will develop low-stress, protected bicycle facilities, which have been a well-documented strategy to make bicycling safer, more accessible, and attractive as a transportation option for users of all ages and ability levels. 3. The Anholm Bikeway Plan will further the City goals to increase bicycle and walking mode share. 4. The Anholm Bikeway Plan will provide improved infrastructure for walking and bicycling, improving the viability of active transportation modes connecting the downtown with the Anholm Neighborhood in addition to schools and neighborhood north of Foothill Boulevard. SECTION 2. Environmental Review. Per Section 15304 of the State California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines, the project is categorically exempt from CEQA under Class 1, Existing Facilities; Section 15301 and Class 4, Minor Alterations to Land, because the project would be constructed on existing city streets within the public right of way. The project will be constructed in an area that has no value as habitat for biological resources and would not be located in agricultural areas. The proposed street lights would be located in an urban area and would not significantly increase light or glare beyond existing conditions. The project has no potentially significant traffic impacts. The project is consistent with General Plan policies that promote an integrated system of bikeways, walkways, and traffic calming measures that promote a safe, multimodal transportation network. Packet Pg 8 1 Resolution No. _____ (2018 Series) Page 3 SECTION 3. Resolution 10866 (2018 series) is hereby repealed in its entirety and replaced with this Resolution; and SECTION 4. Approval. The Anholm Bikeway Plan dated February 20, 2018 (as described within the Plan Executive Summary included hereto as Exhibit A), and reflecting all amendments directed by the City Council through and including the conclusion of its April 10, 2018 Council meeting, is hereby adopted: Upon motion of _______________________, seconded by _______________________, and on the following roll call vote: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: The foregoing resolution was adopted this _____ day of _____________________ 2018. ____________________________________ Mayor Heidi Harmon 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, this ______ day of ______________, _________. ____________________________________ Teresa Purrington City Clerk Packet Pg 9 1 Resolution No. _____ (2018 Series) Page 4 ANHOLM BIKEWAY PLAN EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Packet Pg 101 Resolution No. _____ (2018 Series) Page 5 Packet Pg 111 Resolution No. _____ (2018 Series) Page 6 Packet Pg 121 Resolution No. _____ (2018 Series) Page 7 Packet Pg 131 Page intentionally left blank. Packet Pg 14 1 Staff Presentation ‐Item #1 4/10/2018 1 Anholm Bikeway Plan Resolution Revision Staff Recommendation 1. Rescind Resolution No. 10866 (2018 Series) as adopted on February 20th, 2018; and 2. Adopt a revised Resolution approving the Anholm Bicycle Plan, reflecting any modifications or amendments previously directed by the City Council and that may be directed by the City Council through and including the conclusion of its deliberations and action at its April 10, 2018 meeting. Staff Presentation ‐Item #1 4/10/2018 2 Hearing History August 8th, 2017 City Council Study Session: Direction on Alternatives January 18th, 2018 Bicycle Advisory Committee Meeting: Recommend Alternative to Council February 6th, 2018 City Council Meeting: Conceptual Approval of Plan February 20th, 2018 City Council Meeting: Adoption of Resolution & Plan Anholm Bikeway Project Description Phase I a) Construct Bicycle/Pedestrian Crossing Signal at Foothill & Ferrini b) Construct Class I Bicycle/Pedestrian Bicycle Path between Foothill & Ramona c) Install Class IV Cycle Track in place of on-street parking on North side of Ramona d) Initiate a residential parking district e) Further evaluate Broad, Mission, Chorro & Lincoln Streets to determine if a Class III shared street with traffic calming and diversion on Broad, coupled with measures to mitigate impacts on Lincoln and other streets, is acceptable to the community. If a solution cannot be developed to achieve established multi-modal goals, return with a plan for protected bikeways. Phase II a) Implement design for Broad, Mission, Chorro, and Lincoln developed in Phase 1 b) Construct Streetscape, Lighting & Artwork improvements at Chorro & Highway 101 Undercrossing c) Construct extension of buffered bike lanes on Chorro from Palm to Lincoln. d) Construct Class III Shared Street on Chorro from Palm to Monterey e) Conduct performance monitoring & report to Council at 12 and 24 months after implementation. Phase III a) Based on performance monitoring, reconsideration of further bikeway improvements for shared street portion of route between Lincoln & Ramona. Potential improvements to be considered at this time may include features such as protected bike lanes, installation of a traditional bicycle boulevard on Broad Street, or permanent traffic calming measures. b) Incremental installation of ancillary spot improvements such as sidewalks, curb ramps, additional street lighting and physical separation within Chorro bike lane buffers between Palm and Lincoln. Staff Presentation ‐Item #1 4/10/2018 3 Brown Act Complaint March 12th, 2018 Anholm Citizens for Open Government Richard Schmidt & Keith Gurnee Claim: Council violated Brown Act by pulling the item from the February 20th Consent Agenda, discussing the item, accepting public comment and then taking action on a modified plan. City Attorney Review The item was noticed in accordance with the Brown Act and the Brown Act does not limit the Council’s authority to reject or modify a staff recommendation after receiving public input and Council deliberation. The Council did not violate the Brown Act. Phase I (2018-2019)Evaluate If diversion does meet goals: revisit protected bike lanes - Initiate Residential Parking District Staff Presentation ‐Item #1 4/10/2018 4 Anholm Bikeway Phase I: Middle Section Planning Schedule - If San Luis Ranch is Scheduled for Aug 21 st, then September 4th Phase II (2019-2020) Option A: Broad Diversion & Calming Option B: Protected Bike Lanes - Monitoring with Reports at 12 & 24 Months Staff Presentation ‐Item #1 4/10/2018 5 Phase III (Beyond 2020) Staff Recommendation 1. Rescind Resolution No. 10866 (2018 Series) as adopted on February 20th, 2018; and 2. Adopt a revised Resolution approving the Anholm Bicycle Plan, reflecting any modifications or amendments previously directed by the City Council and that may be directed by the City Council through and including the conclusion of its deliberations and action at its April 10, 2018 meeting. Staff Presentation ‐Item #1 4/10/2018 6