CITY OF SIMI VALLEY MEMORANDUM

Transcription

1 CITY OF SIMI VALLEY MEMORANDUM AGENDA ITEM NO. 9.1 May 18, 2016 TO: FROM: Planning Commission Department of Environmental Services SUBJECT: REVIEW OF POTENTIAL FISCAL YEAR (FY) CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM FOR CONFORMANCE WITH THE SIMI VALLEY GENERAL PLAN RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that the Planning Commission adopt a resolution finding that proposed FY public works projects, also known as the Capital Improvement Program (CIP), including other districts and agencies CIPs, are in conformance with the Simi Valley General Plan in accordance with Government Code Sections and BACKGROUND AND OVERVIEW Government Code Section requires the Planning Commission to review the capital projects of the City, and of those from other districts and agencies, for conformity with its jurisdiction's General Plan. Each fiscal year, the City and the Ventura County Waterworks District No. 8 develop a list of proposed Public Works capital improvements to be considered for inclusion in the City budget. Additionally, Government Code Section allows the other districts and agencies, at their option, to submit their CIPs to the Planning Commission in order for the City to consider the consistency of their CIPs with the City s General Plan. The City sent letters to the following agencies and districts, notifying them that they may submit their CIPs to the City: Simi Valley Unified School District; Ventura County Waterworks District No. 8; El Rancho Simi Valley Public Cemetery District; Calleguas Municipal Water District; Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District; and Ventura County Watershed Protection District. The City received the attached responses (Attachment B, page 12) from Ventura County (including Ventura County Watershed Protection District), and Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District, reporting proposed CIPs for FY FINDINGS AND ALTERNATIVES The list contained in Attachment A, page 6, identifies the potential City and Ventura County Waterworks District No. 8 capital improvements that may be considered for inclusion in the FY Budget or in future years. In addition, Attachment A includes the optional CIPs submitted by the Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District,

2 and Ventura County for consideration. Each of the potential capital improvements is paired with existing General Plan policies to justify conformity. Staff has prepared the findings of consistency with the General Plan for the Planning Commission s review and consideration. The recommendation of the Planning Commission regarding consistency of the City s and the Ventura County Waterworks District No. 8 s potential Capital Improvement Program for FY , and the optional CIPs submitted by the other districts and agencies, with the General Plan will be forwarded to the City Council for their review with the Budget. All of the City s and the Ventura County Waterworks District No. 8 s capital improvements are contingent upon the City Council s review and approval of the FY Budget. Environmental Review & CEQA Review Government Code Section mandates that each fiscal year, the Planning Commission review the capital projects of the City, and of those from other districts and agencies, for conformity with the City s General Plan. The review is not an approval of the individual actions within the Program; it is only a determination that the Program conforms with the City s General Plan. The individual actions described in the Program are speculative and the determination of conformance does not commit funding to any specific project. Therefore, the proposed action is not a Project as defined in Section of the California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines, which states that: Project does not include: (4) The creation of government funding mechanisms or other government fiscal activities which do not involve any commitment to any specific project which may result in a potentially significant impact on the environment. Therefore, it has been determined that the finding of conformance with the City s General Plan is exempt from the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to the general rule [Section 15061(b)(3)] of the State CEQA Guidelines which states that CEQA applies only to projects which have the potential for causing a significant physical effect on the environment. Where it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant physical effect on the environment, the activity is not subject to CEQA. A Notice of Exemption was prepared for the project (Attachment C, page 20). The following alternatives are available to the Planning Commission: 1. Adopt a resolution finding that proposed public improvements of the Capital Improvement Program for FY including the other districts and agencies CIPs are in conformance with the Simi Valley General Plan in accordance with Government Code Sections and 65403; or 2. Provide further direction to staff. Staff recommends Alternative No. 1. 2

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4 RESOLUTION NO. SVPC A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SIMI VALLEY FINDING THAT EACH PROPOSED CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT FOR FISCAL YEAR IS CONSISTENT WITH THE SIMI VALLEY GENERAL PLAN WHEREAS, in accordance with Section of the California Government Code, a list of the proposed public improvement projects approved for planning, initiation or construction during FY has been submitted to the Planning Commission for review and recommendation regarding the list s conformity with the Simi Valley General Plan; and WHEREAS, pursuant to the provisions of Section 15061(b)(3) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the finding of conformance is not a project and is, therefore, exempt from CEQA and a Notice of Exemption was prepared. NOW, THEREFORE, THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SIMI VALLEY DOES RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS: SECTION 1. The Simi Valley Planning Commission hereby finds and determines that each capital improvement project for FY , as noted in the Planning Commission staff report dated May 18, 2016, is in conformance with the Simi Valley General Plan. SECTION 2. The Planning Commission hereby authorizes forwarding of this resolution to the City Council as described in Section of the California Government Code. 4

5 RES. NO. PASSED and ADOPTED this 18th day of May, Attest: Vivienne DeLuca Recording Secretary Mary Bibb, Chairperson Planning Commission Approved as to Form: Approved as to Content: David Caceres Assistant City Attorney Stratis Perros Deputy Director/City Planner Department of Environmental Services I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing Resolution was duly adopted by the Planning Commission of the City of Simi Valley, California, at a regular meeting held on May 18, 2016, by the following vote: AYES: NAYS: ABSTAIN: ABSENT: ATTEST: Vivienne DeLuca Recording Secretary 5

6 ATTACHMENT A Potential Capital Improvements City of Simi Valley A. Street Maintenance/Improvement and Drainage Improvements The proposed Street and Drainage Capital Improvements are consistent with the following General Plan Policies: Simi Valley General Plan Policy M-8.5, which states: Coordinate Improvements. Coordinate project phasing with the construction of on-site and off-site circulation improvements to maintain optimum levels of traffic movement. Simi Valley General Plan Policy M-12.6, which states: Provide a continuous bicycle network, including the Arroyo Simi Greenway, that connects community facilities and other public and private buildings to each other, to the street, and to transit facilities. Simi Valley General Plan Policy M-14.10, which states: Work with local school officials in the development, review, and implementation of a Safe Route to Schools Program that includes identification of design and operational elements along designated student routes to and from schools for both new development and existing areas in the City, including the Arroyo Simi Greenway. Simi Valley General Plan Policy LU-10.6, which states: Maintain sidewalks or other means of pedestrian and bicycle connections to neighborhood commercial centers, parks, schools, work places, and other community activity centers. Simi Valley General Plan Policy IU-4.1, which states: Upgrade existing stormwater collection and treatment facilities as necessary. 1. Major Streets Rehabilitation This project proposes rehabilitation of road surfaces and removal/reconstruction of certain portions of existing cross-gutter, curbs and gutters, curb ramps, and certain pavement striping at the following general locations: First Street from south of Freeway 118 to Enchanted Way. Cochran Street from Galena Avenue to Sequoia Avenue. Erringer Road from Cochran Street to Alamo Street. 2. Minor Streets Overlay This project consists primarily of asphalt resurfacing or slurry sealing of the full width of various residential streets throughout the City based on pavement conditions and ranking identified on the City s street paving priority list. The proposed resurfacing is anticipated to ensure the smooth and safe flow of vehicles, while having only a minimal temporary impact on the circulation system as the work is performed, consistent with Policy M

7 3. Citywide Street Tree Removal and Replacement This project includes the removal and replacement of non-conforming trees at various locations throughout the City. The proposed project will maintain the existing street tree canopy to help support walkable neighborhoods, consistent with Policy LU Miscellaneous Drainage Improvements These improvements consist of ongoing drainage improvements at various locations throughout the City. For FY , funds may be used for unanticipated drainage improvements needed in conjunction with the Major Streets Rehabilitation or Minor Streets Overlay Programs, and other improvements as needed. The drainage improvements are anticipated to either maintain or improve storm drainage facilities, consistent with Policy IU-4.1. B. Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities The proposed Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities are consistent with the following General Plan Policy: Simi Valley General Plan Policy M-8.4, which states: Accommodate Alternative Modes. Condition discretionary development to minimize traffic impacts by incorporating sidewalks and bicycle pathways, bicycle racks and lockers, ridesharing programs, transit improvements (bus turnouts, shelters, benches), transportation demand measures, and/or transit subsidies for employees or residents of the proposed development. This is an annual program to implement projects contained in the Bicycle Master Plan to enhance conditions for bicyclists throughout the City. This category also includes pedestrian accessibility enhancements. Specific projects include construction of off-street bicycle paths and appurtenances, on-street bicycle lanes, on-street bicycle routes, sidewalks, and accessible curb ramps. The provision of off-street bicycle paths is consistent with Policy M-8.4, and reflects the requirements of the City s Bicycle Master Plan. C. Traffic Signals The proposed New Traffic Signals program is consistent with the following General Plan Policy: Simi Valley General Plan Policy M-7.2, which states: Traffic Management Devices. Secure state-of-the-art traffic management devices, such as synchronized traffic signals. 7

8 This is an annual program to install new traffic signals and to upgrade existing traffic signals, as needed, at various intersections throughout the City. Specific intersections are recommended by staff and approved by the City Council, based on a needs analysis, during annual review of the Traffic Signal Construction Program in the spring of each year. The proposed new signals are anticipated to improve the safety and efficiency of those intersections throughout the City while minimizing the impact of traffic on residential areas, consistent with Policy M-7.2. D. Traffic Signal Synchronization The proposed Traffic Signal Synchronization program is consistent with the following General Plan Policy: Simi Valley General Plan Policy M-7.3, which states: Traffic Signal Operations. Improve traffic signal operations by optimizing signal timing, interconnecting signalized intersections along arterial streets, and installing computerized master traffic signal control systems in intensively utilized areas. This is an ongoing program to implement recommendations contained in the Traffic Signal Synchronization Master Plan. Projects include the construction of additional interconnect facilities to link traffic signals into synchronization systems. The proposed signal upgrades are anticipated to ensure the smooth and safe flow of vehicles throughout the City while minimizing the impact of traffic on residential areas, consistent with Policy M-7.3. E. Sanitation Collection and Treatment System The proposed Sanitation Collection and Treatment System Improvements are consistent with the following General Plan Policies: Simi Valley General Plan Policy IU-3.7, which states: System Asset Evaluation and Rehabilitation Plan. Manage the Rehabilitation Plan to prevent infrastructure failures caused by aging and deteriorating sewer pipelines. Simi Valley General Plan Policy IU-3.8, which states: Continue to clean and video inspect the City s sewer infrastructure to mitigate sanitary sewer overflows, locate deficiencies, and reduce leaks and contamination. The following projects consist of rehabilitating existing sewer trunk lines and improvements to existing equipment and buildings at the Water Quality Control Plant to ensure their reliable operation: Sewer Master Plan Update Annual Sewer Line Assessment Arroyo Simi Sewer Line Rehabilitation Beaumont Street Sewer Line Rehabilitation 8

9 Los Angeles Avenue Sewer Line Rehabilitation from Bishop Lane to Barnes Street Water Quality Control Plant Electrical Upgrades Phase 3 Water Quality Control Plant BNR Membrane Replacement Water Quality Control Plant Water System Pump Replacement Water Quality Control Plant SCADA System Upgrades The proposed improvements will ensure protection of the health and safety of the community and ensure that the proposed sanitary sewer rehabilitations and improvements (items listed above) are anticipated to maintain the sewage disposal system at adequate and safe levels of service while providing for the growing demand of water quality control, is consistent with Policies IU-3.7 and IU-3.8. Proposed Capital Improvements Other Districts and Agencies A. Ventura County Waterworks District No. 8 Capital Improvements The proposed Waterworks Capital Improvements are consistent with the following General Plan Policies: Simi Valley General Plan Policy IU-1.3, which states: Priority for Water Infrastructure. Give a priority in capital improvement programming to funding rehabilitation or replacement of critical infrastructure that has reached the end of its useful life. The following Waterworks Improvement projects consist of replacing existing water distribution system and related facilities to ensure their reliable operation: Aerator Tank Replacement Project that receives untreated groundwater supply from wells in the Gillibrand Basin. Replacement of Well 31 Tank required for controlling the operation of Wells No. 31C and No. 31D. Replacement of Station No. 2 Tank required for controlling the operation of Station No. 2 Pump Station serving the Box Canyon service area. Replacement of Station No. 3 Tank required for controlling the operation of Station No. 3 Pump Station serving the Box Canyon service area. The aforementioned tanks are in deteriorated condition and in need of replacement. The proposed water system improvement will support expansion and improvement of existing utilities and maintain public utilities at adequate levels of service, consistent with Policy IU-1.3. B. Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District The proposed Park District Capital Improvements are consistent with the following General Plan Policies: 9

10 Simi Valley General Plan Policy PR-1.1, which states: Park and Recreation System. Support RSRPD in its efforts to develop, operate, and maintain a system of parks, recreational facilities (i.e., swimming pools, golf courses, ball courts, etc.), and open space areas throughout Simi Valley that provide opportunities for both passive and active recreation and leisure activities. Simi Valley General Plan Policy PR-1.5, which states: Conservation of Natural and Historic Assets. Support, encourage, and participate in enhancing community aesthetics by conserving natural assets such as mature trees, fragile animal habitats, endangered species, and historically significant sites, as part of park and facilities development. Simi Valley General Plan Policy PR-1.13, which states: Provide for the development of new parks and the expansion of existing parks, including rest areas and other amenities, as part of the Arroyo Simi Greenway system to link these resources to provide recreation, pedestrian, and visual amenities. The following Park District improvements are proposed: Chumash Park Phase 2 Construction. Open Space Acquisition. Skate Plaza & Picnic Shelter at Berylwood Park. Rancho Simi Tennis Court Lighting Replacement; Soccer Field Lighting; Park Sign Replacement Program. BMX Facility Relocation. Strathearn Park Colony House Renovation. Arroyo Simi Greenway Phase 3 construction. The proposed projects will provide improvements for existing park facilities and allow for construction of new parks, such as Chumash Park and the Arroyo Simi Greenway, consistent with Policies PR-1.1, PR-1.5, and PR C. County of Ventura The proposed County Capital Projects Five-Year Program is consistent with the following General Plan Policies: Simi Valley General Plan Policy IU-4.1, which states: Storm Drain Improvement. Upgrade existing stormwater collection and treatment facilities as necessary. Simi Valley General Plan Policy M-3.1, which states: Design roadways, pedestrian areas, walkways, street name signs, and utilities in applicable outlying areas to provide for low maintenance costs, safe and adequate drainage, and passage of vehicles, pedestrians, and bicyclists. The following County capital improvements are proposed: Sycamore Canyon Dam Emergency Spillway and Basin Modifications Modify emergency spillway to improve dam safety and flood protection of existing detention basin. 10

11 Tapo Canyon Road Slope Repair Improvements to shoulder and embankment to repair slope failure. The detention basin improvements are anticipated to either maintain or improve storm drainage facilities and address any potential hazards to the public health, safety, and welfare due to storm water discharge, consistent with Policy S-8.3. In addition, proposed improvements to the shoulders and embankment of Tapo Canyon Road will provide for adequate roadways in outlying areas of the City, consistent with Policy M