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HomeMy WebLinkAboutR-11152 authorizing the Public Works Director to Approve Temporary Closures of City Streets for Special Events, Construction Activities or Other PurposesR 11152 RESOLUTION NO. 11152 (2020 SERIES) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO, CALIFORNIA, AUTHORIZING THE PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR TO APPROVE TEMPORARY CLOSURES OF CITY STREETS FOR SPECIAL EVENTS, CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES OR OTHER PURPOSES WHEREAS, California Vehicle Code Sections 21101(e) allows municipalities to adopt rules and regulations by ordinance or resolution authorizing the closure any street temporarily for celebrations, special events, or other purposes when in the opinion of the local authorities having jurisdiction or a public officer or employee that the local authority designates by resolution, the closing is necessary for the safety and protection of persons who are to use that portion of the street during the temporary closing; and WHEREAS, California Vehicle Code Sections 21101(f) allows municipalities to adopt rules and regulations by ordinance or resolution authorizing the closure of entry to, or exit from, or both, from any street by means of islands, curbs, traffic barriers, or other roadway design features to implement the circulation element of a general plan adopted pursuant to Article 6 (commencing with Section 65350) of Chapter 3 of Division 1 of Title 7 of the Government Code. The rules and regulations authorized by this subdivision shall be consistent with the responsibility of local government to provide for the health and safety of its citizens; and WHEREAS, City Council Resolution No. 11118 (2020 Series) currently authorizes the City Manager to implement strategies proposed as part of the Open SLO program, which includes authorization of temporary street closures to vehicle traffic during the one-year Open SLO pilot program; and WHEREAS, the City may choose to pursue additional temporary street closures beyond the one-year Open SLO pilot program for special events or construction activities were deemed necessary for the safety and protection of the public; and WHEREAS, a proper temporary traffic control and detour plan will be required to the satisfaction of the Public Works Director for any proposed street closures; and WHEREAS, the Department of Public Works, the Police Department, and Fire Department have no objections provided that emergency vehicle access will be available if needed during the temporary closure of the street. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of San Luis Obispo as follows: SECTION 1. Authorizes the Public Works Director or their designee(s), as defined in City of San Luis Obispo Municipal Code Section 10.08, to approve the temporary closure of public streets for special events, construction activities, or other purposes where it is the opinion of the Public Works Director or their designee(s) that closure of the street is necessary for the safety and protection of persons who use that portion of the street. Resolution No. 11152 (2020 Series) Page 2 R 11152 SECTION 2. Notwithstanding any other City policy or procedure, the Public Works Director or their designee(s) shall be authorized to review and approve on behalf of the City any and all temporary traffic control, signage and public noticing plans associated with implementation any proposed temporary street closures. SECTION 3. Environmental Review. The potential temporary closure of public streets is exempt from environmental review pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) as follows: The project is categorically exempt under State CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 (Existing Facilities) because the actions identified in the program are limited to the permitting, leasing, and minor alteration of existing public facilities, including existing str eets, sidewalks, bicycle and pedestrian trails, which would not result in the creation of additional automobile lanes. The program would result in a negligible expansion of existing commercial uses and a negligible expansion of the public’s use of City right-of-way, as the uses included in the temporary program would not vary from the current uses of commercial businesses, residential areas, or public access within the City’s right -of-way. Upon motion of Council Member Christianson, seconded by Council Member Stewart, and on the following roll call vote: AYES: Council Member Christianson, Pease, Stewart, Vice Mayor Gomez and Mayor Harmon NOES: None ABSENT: None The foregoing resolution was adopted this 18th day of August 2020. ____________________________________ 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, on ______________________. ____________________________________ Teresa Purrington, City Clerk