HomeMy WebLinkAboutRes 2018-60 NOD with CEQA for the Certified CV Link EIRSTAFF REPORT
CITY OF PALM DESERT
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
MEETING DATE: July 12, 2018
PREPARED BY: Ryan Stendell, Director of Community Development
REQUEST: Consideration of approval of Resolution No. 2018-60 , adopting a Notice
of Determination (NOD) in accordance with the California Environmental
Quality Act (CEQA) for the Certified CV Link Environmental Impact Report
dated May 15, 2017; and taking actions related to the design and
implementation of the CV Link Project.
Recommendation
1. Waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 2018- 60 , adopting a
Notice of Determination (NOD) in accordance with the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) for the CV Link Environmental Impact
Report (EIR) as approved by the Coachella Valley Association of
Governments (CVAG) Executive Committee dated May 15, 2017.
2. By Minute Motion, provide direction to staff on the following:
a. Proceed with CV Link implementation as originally contemplated in the
Certified EIR dated May 15, 2017.
OR
b. Direct staff to prepare an addendum to the Certified EIR to proceed
with the enhanced CV Link designs presented with plans dated March
13, 2018.
3. By Minute Motion, direct staff to prepare a General Plan Amendment (GPA)
to Figure 4.2 (Proposed Bicycle & Golf Cart Network) amending Painters Path
from the status of "Golf Carts Permitted" to "Class 3—Shared Roadway."
4. Authorize the City Manager to submit applications for grant funding related to
either the CV Link or San Pablo projects.
Strategic Plan
The proposed CV Link project fulfills the following priorities identified in the City's Strategic
Plan:
• Tourism and Marketing —Priority 1: "Improve access to Palm Desert and its attractions
to enhance the ease of lifestyle."
July 12, 2018 - Staff Report
CV Link EIR/Design Approaches
Page 2 of 7
• Transportation —Priority 1: "Create walkable neighborhoods and areas within Palm
Desert that would include residential, retail, services and employment centers, and
parks, recreation and open space to reduce the use of low occupancy vehicles."
• Transportation —Priority 3: `De-emphasize single/low-occupancy vehicles and optimize
modes of travel (bus, carpool, golf -cart, bicycle, and pedestrian)."
• Land Use - Priority 4: "Create a mixed -use city core integrating shopping, dining,
lodging, and housing."
Executive Summary
Approval of staff's recommendation would mark the first step in formally approving the CV
Link project. Additionally, City staff is seeking direction related to design improvements
being proposed. Based on the direction received from the City Council, City staff will
coordinate with CVAG and return to the City Council with formal agreements for carrying
out the project.
Background Analysis
CV Link Background:
The CV Link is a proposed 50-mile, alternative transportation corridor for bicycles,
pedestrians, and low -speed electric vehicles (LSEVs) along the Whitewater River and
Tahquitz Creek that will initially stretch from Palm Springs to Coachella. Bicycles, pedestrians,
and LSEVs can use the corridor to access employment, shopping, schools, friends, and other
pervasive recreational opportunities.
The concept of a corridor along the Whitewater River channel has been studied many times
over the past several decades. CVAG began exploring the regional idea of a multi -use
bicycle, pedestrian, and LSEVs path along the channel in 2011. A Preliminary Study Report
that assessed the feasibility of this concept was published in January 2012. This study
concluded that the concept was indeed feasible with a minor expansion of the width of a
typical bike path from 12 feet to 14 feet to accommodate LSEVs. A separate, but adjoining,
pedestrian path was recommended to separate slower moving individuals from faster bicycles
and LSEAVs.
At its meeting of February 29, 2016, the CVAG Executive Committee voted to approve a
conceptual master plan for the CV Link project. At the time, the proposed CV Link Master
Plan included two alternative routes through Palm Desert: the Whitewater Channel levee or
Magnesia Falls Drive (see attached). Through subsequent public outreach, it was determined
that use of the Whitewater Channel levee was infeasible. The proposed route within Palm
Desert utilizes Park View Drive, Monterey Avenue, the Whitewater Channel Levee, and
Magnesia Falls Drive as indicated in the map below:
July 12, 2018 - Staff Report
CV Link EIRIDesign Approaches
Page 3 of 7
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The Palm Desert section is the longest on -street section of the CV Link project, representing
nearly four (4) miles of the corridor. From the west, CV Link enters the City at Park View Drive
and Highway 111, traveling east to Monterey Avenue. At Monterey Avenue, CV Link splits
with one section of the corridor heading north to Magnesia Falls Drive and the other section
maneuvering through the College of the Desert (COD) campus. From Monterey Avenue, the
corridor heads east along Magnesia Falls Drive and across Portola Avenue before rejoining
the Whitewater Channel at Deep Canyon Road. The COD portion connects back to San Pablo
Avenue heading north to connect to the other section of CV Link on Magnesia Falls Drive.
Certified EIR:
On May 15, 2017, the CVAG Executive Committee adopted Resolution No. 17-003 certifying
the EIR (SCH#2013111050) and adopted a Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program for
the CV Link project. The Executive Committee also adopted Resolution 17-004 approving
"Alternative 1" to the CV Link project. These actions fulfilled CEQA legal requirements as they
relate to the CV Link project.
The City of Palm Desert, along with other Coachella Valley cities and local agencies, is a
responsible agency under the CEOA. As such, responsible agencies may adopt and file a
NOD for the CV Link project. In doing so, the City may conduct and prepare subsequent
environmental reviews for modifications to the project not contemplated in the original EIR.
City staff recommends that the City Council adopt Resolution No. 2018-_, adopting a NOD
for the CV Link project. This will allow the City to pursue additional routes, alternatives, or
enhancements to the CV Link project within Palm Desert's jurisdiction, subject to a new
environmental review.
One of the many actions staff is seeking with this report is guidance from the City Council on
two potential design options that have emerged. Below please find a brief summary of both
options:
July 12, 2018 - Staff Report
CV Link EIR/Design Approaches
Page 4 of 7
Original Design (2016 CV Link Master Plan):
This Palm Desert section of CV Link as proposed in the master plan utilizes existing bike and
golf cart paths and sidewalks in the City. The bike path along Magnesia Falls Drive and
adjacent sidewalks provide a relatively safe and convenient east -west connection from CV
Link in the wash to the COD and points further west. The sidewalk on Monterey Avenue
adjacent to the COD was not ideal. However, since it already allows pedestrian, bike and golf
cart use, it was incorporated into the plan as were existing bike lanes on Park View Drive.
The CV Link project terminates at Park View Drive and Highway 111, near the border with
Rancho Mirage. Below is a rendering that was created to show a typical section within Palm
Desert.
As depicted above, the improvements in Palm Desert are largely painted, signage, and other
minor improvements. This design option was studied in the certified EIR and could be
implemented at any time.
Enhanced CV Link Designs (3113/2018):
In summer 2017, City staff indicated to the CVAG that there was interest from city officials in
reimagining Magnesia Falls Drive. Magnesia Falls Drive has wide vehicle travel lanes and
relatively low traffic volumes. City staff asked the CVAG team for thoughts about how to best
take advantage of the right-of-way along Magnesia Falls Drive and on integrating CV Link
with the City's plans for the San Pablo Avenue corridor.
City and CVAG staff met on several occasions with the assistance of the CV Link design
consultants and have proposed an enhanced design for CV Link largely focused on safety.
The enhanced design focuses on a buffered two-way cycle track, with a separated sidewalk
for pedestrians (existing). Along Monterey Avenue, the design proposes to eliminate the
northbound acceleration lane adjacent to the COD. This design alternative is ideal in that it
does not require any modifications or a right-of-way acquisition from the COD.
July 12, 2018 - Staff Report
CV Link EIR/Design Approaches
Page 5 of 7
The enhanced design utilizes the southern portion of Magnesia Falls Drive between Monterey
Avenue and San Pablo Avenue. At San Pablo Avenue, the cycle track transitions t❑ the north
side of Magnesia Falls ❑rive, crosses Portola Avenue, and ultimately connects to the existing
Class I separated pathway at ❑eep Canyon Road. City and CVAG staff believe the buffered
approach greatly improves safety for pedestrians, bicyclists, and those in golf carts, and is
therefore staff's preferred option.
Below are several conceptual layouts of the enhanced design:
LINK PALM DESERT a PARK VkEW AI 111 ; PROPOSE❑
CVLENK PALM DESERT / MAGNESIA FALLS AT MONTEREY / PROPOSED
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If the City Council desires the Enhanced Design approach, staff's recommendation includes
direction to prepare an addendum t❑ the Certified EIR to accommodate this request.
July 12, 2018 - Staff Report
CV Link EIR/Design Approaches
Page 6 of 7
Painters Path Spur:
With this opportunity to reimagine the Palm Desert section of CV Link, CVAG staff suggested
the City may want to consider extending this path a short distance from its planned terminus
at Highway 111 and Park View Drive to the Bump and Grind trailhead, traveling along one or
both sides of Painters Path. This would provide a natural "starting/ending" point for CV Link
in the western part of the City, and connect it to one of the City's most popular outdoor
amenities.
Staff concurs that this is a good project; however, a few procedural steps must be taken by
the City before it can be implemented. Staff is recommending a General Plan Amendment as
a part of this report, which would augment how Painters Path is identified in the City's
transportation network. Once this step is complete, staff envisions this project would compete
through the annual budget cycle with other active transportation projects. This is not a part of
the core CV Link route and would need to be funded by the City.
Project Management/Coordination:
The Palm Desert section of CV Link requires substantial City involvement and approvals.
Since this is the longest on -street portion of CV Link and is in the City's existing right-of-way,
CVAG has requested that the City manage the construction portion of the project. The CVAG
would enter into a reimbursement agreement with the City for all costs associated with this
work. This mirrors the project management structure that the City of Cathedral City led to the
successful first segment of CV Link.
Staff believes the request to manage the construction is both logical and reasonable. This is
especially true given the coordination needed between the San Pablo Avenue & CV Link
projects. Regardless of the design approach chosen by the City Council, staff will return with
formal agreements that memorialize roles and responsibilities related to this project.
Fiscal Analysis
CVAG has indicated that it will fund all costs associated with the construction of the Palm Desert
Section of the CV Link (original or enhanced). Costs reimbursable to the City include:
• Any necessary CEQA Addendums.
• All staff costs and contracted costs for construction or project management.
• The total cost of construction of the original or enhanced design.
CVAG and the City are working cooperatively to determine a cost -sharing formula where City
projects interact with CV Link. For example, at the intersection of San Pablo Avenue and
Magnesia Falls Drive, project improvements exist related to CV Link as well as the City's San
Pablo Avenue Corridor project. This intersection was removed from the City's project but may
deserve a second look since the since the CV Link budget limitations may not yield the best
solution to this intersection for either project. The second location where a shared expense is
anticipated is adjacent to Lincoln Elementary School, where the City desires modifications to the
median to restrict certain vehicular movements that are in the same areas as, but not a part of,
the CV Link project.
July 12, 2018 - Staff Report
CV Link ElR/Design Approaches
Page 7 of 7
Reimbursement Agreements, including cost -sharing formulas, will be presented to the City
Council for review and approval in the fall of 2018. The likely fiscal impact of these shared
expenses is estimated not to exceed $500,000.
LEGAL REVIEW DEPT. REVIEW FINANCIAL REVIEW CITY MANAGER
N/A
Robert Hargreaves
City Attorney
Ryan Stendell
Director of Community
Development
net Moore
Director of Finance
Lauri Aylaian
City Manager
ATTACHMENTS: 1. City Council Resolution No. 2018- 60
2. Draft CEQA Notice of Determination
3. Palm Desert General Plan Fig. 4.2 (Proposed Bicycle/Golf Cart Network)
4. Palm Desert: Segment Map
5. 2016 CV Link Concept Routes
6.2018 CV Link Enhanced Concept Routes
7. Correspondence from CVAG
CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO. 2018- 60
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM
DESERT, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING A NOTICE OF DETERMINATION FOR
THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT FOR THE CV LINK PROJECT
WHEREAS, the CV Link project is a +49-mile multi -modal transportation path that
connects cities in the Coachella Valley and passes through the City of Palm Desert, within
the City's right-of-way, through the College of the Desert, and along the Whitewater
Channel; and
WHEREAS, the CV Link project provides access and connectivity between
residential, commercial, recreational, educational, and civic facilities, within the City of Palm
Desert by providing a safe and recreational pathway for multiple user groups; and
WHEREAS, Coachella Valley Association of Governments ("CVAG") Executive
Committee, acting as the lead agency for the CV Link project did, on the 15th day of May
2017, adopt Resolution Nos. 2017-003 and 2017-004, certifying the Environmental Impact
Report ("EIR") for the CV Link project; and
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Palm Desert finds that the CV Link project
complies with the following Goals and Policies of the City's General Plan:
• L.U. Policy 1.3 — Balance medium and high intensity/density development with
pedestrian -oriented and bicycle friendly design features so as to maximize trip
and VMT reduction.
• L.U. Policy 1.6 — Balance the impacts of new development, density, and
urbanization through the provisions of a high-level of neighborhood and
community amenities and design features.
• L.U. Policy 2.1 — Design the streetscape of high volume corridors to balance
regional traffic flow with pedestrian movement and safety and the unique physical
environment of the area.
• L.U. Policy 2.5 — Enhance the pedestrian experience through streetscape
improvements that could include new street lighting, tree planting, and easement
dedications to increase the size of the sidewalks and pedestrian amenities.
• L.U. Policy 2.8 — Improve existing and create new gathering spaces throughout
the city to provide beautiful, comfortable, and inviting public and pedestrian
spaces, encouraging walking and public gathering spaces.
• L.U. Policy 3.1 — Provide a safe and convenient circulation system for
pedestrians that include sidewalks, crosswalks, places to sit and gather,
appropriate street lighting, buffers from moving vehicles, shading, and amenities
for people of all ages.
• L.U. Policy 4.1 — Provide bicycle facilities where shown on Figure 4.2 along all
roadways to implement the proposed network of facilities outlined in the General
Plan.
• L.U. Policy 9.2 — Coordinate with CVAG and other agencies on the planning,
design, and construction of regional non -motorized routes such as CV Link.
CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO. 2018- 60
• H.W. Policy 7.1 — Facilitate the construction of a built environment that supports
a healthy physical and social environment for new and existing neighborhoods
and strengthens community cohesion.
• E.R. Policy 5.2 — Promote land use and development patterns that reduce the
community's dependence on, and length of, automobile trips.
• C.C. Policy 1.10 — Encourage and facilitate streetscape and building designs that
are unique to Palm Desert so as to create a distinctive City Center.
• C.C. Policy 2.6 — Prioritize pedestrian access in the design of public and private
facilities within the City Center Area.
• C.C. Policy 3.1 — Ensure that new public and private projects in the City Center
consider pedestrian connectivity and contribute to improving the pedestrian
network through the application of strategies such as sidewalk improvements and
pedestrian crossings.
• C.C. Policy 4.1/4.2 — Facilitate the development of pedestrian and bicycle
facilities that connect the City Center with surrounding neighborhoods, districts,
and centers.
WHEREAS, pursuant to section 15091(a) of the California Code of Regulations,
Implementation Guidelines for the State California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) (Cal.
Code Regs., tit. 14, § 15000 et seq.), and the City of Palm Desert's ("City's") Local CEQA
Guidelines, the City is defined as a responsible agency for the CV Link project; and
WHEREAS, the City of Palm Desert, California, as a responsible agency, may adopt
a Notice of Determination ("NOD") to carry out its discretionary approval over the project;
and
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Palm Desert, acting as a responsible
agency for the CV Link project, did meet at their regularly scheduled meeting on the 12th
day of July 2018, to consider the project and the EIR adopted by the CVAG Executive
Committee; and
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Palm Desert, did upon hearing all public
testimony, confer and take action to adopt a Notice of Determination ("NOD") in support of
the findings of the EIR for the CV Link project; and
WHEREAS, final design and construction of the CV Link project in the City of Palm
Desert requires City approval and authorization and by adopting the NOD, the City is able to
proceed with carrying out portions of the project; and
WHEREAS, as contained herein, the City has endeavored in good faith to set forth
the basis for its decision on the CV Link project; and
WHEREAS, all of the findings and conclusions made by the City pursuant to this
Resolution are based upon the oral and written evidence before it as a whole; and
WHEREAS, at the said public hearing, upon hearing and considering all testimony
and arguments, if any, of all interested persons desiring to be heard, the City Council did
make the following findings to justify the approval of said request; and
2
CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO. 2018- 60
WHEREAS, all other legal prerequisites to the adoption of this Resolution have
occurred.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. Recitals. The City Council hereby finds that the foregoing recitals are
true and correct and are incorporated herein as substantive findings of this Resolution.
SECTION 2. Compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act. As a
responsible agency for the Project, the City Council has reviewed and considered the
information contained in the EIR, and administrative record on file with the City and available
for review at 73510 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert, California. The City Council finds that the
EIR adopted by the CVAG has completed compliance with the CEQA (Pub. Res. Code §
21000 et seq.: "CEQA") and the State CEQA Guidelines.
SECTION 3. Findings on Environmental Impacts. In the City's role as a responsible
agency under CEQA, the City Council finds that the EIR prepared for the CV Link project is
complete and accurate in reporting of the environmental impacts associated with the Project.
The City Council further finds that the documents have been completed in compliance with
CEQA, the State CEQA Guidelines, and City of Palm Desert local CEQA guidelines. The City
Council further finds that all environmental impacts of the project are either insignificant or can
be mitigated to a less than significant level pursuant to the mitigation measures outlined in the
EIR, and the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program. The City Council further finds that
there is no substantial evidence in the record supporting a fair argument that the project may
result in significant environmental impacts and that any comments received to date regarding
the project have been examined and determined not to modify the conclusions of the EIR.
SECTION 4. Adoption of a Notice of Determination. The City Council approves the
project and directs Staff to file a Notice of Determination with the County of Riverside and the
State Clearinghouse within five (5) working days of adoption of the Notice of Determination.
SECTION 5. Custodian of Records. The documents and materials that constitute the
record of proceedings on which these findings are based are located at the City's office at 73-
510 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert, CA 92260. Rachelle Klassen, the City Clerk, is the
custodian of the record of proceedings.
SECTION 6. Execution of Resolution. The Mayor of the City Council signs this
Resolution and the City Clerk shall attest and certify to the passage and adoption thereof.
3
CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO. 2018- 6o
PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Palm
Desert, California, at its regular meeting held on the 12th day of Julv 2018, by the following
vote, to wit:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
ATTEST:
RACHELLE D. KLASSEN
CITY CLERK
SABBY JONATHAN, MAYOR
4
IPrint Form I
Notice of Determination
To:
[g( Office of Planning and Research
U.S. Mail: Street Address:
P.O. Box 3044 1400 Tenth St., Rm 113
Sacramento, CA 95812-3044 Sacramento, CA 95814
® County Clerk
County of: Riverside
Address: 2724 Gateway Drive
Riverside, CA 92507
Appendix D
From:
Public Agency: City of Palm Desert
Address: 73-510 Fred Waring Drive
Palm Desert, CA 92260
Contact:Ryan Stendell, Director of Community Dev.
Phone: 760-346-0611
Lead Agency (if different from above):
Coachella Valley Association of Govemments
Address: 73710 Fred Waring Drive # 200
Palm Desert, CA 92260
Contact:Tom Kirk, Director
Phone:760-346-1127
SUBJECT: Filing of Notice of Determination In compliance with Section 21108 or 21152 of the Public
Resources Code.
State Clearinghouse Number (if submitted to State Clearinghouse):2013111050
Project Title: CV Link Multi -Model Transportation Project
Project Applicant: Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG)
Project Location (include county): Parkview Drive, Monterey Avenue, Magnesia Falls, and Whitewater channel.
Project Description:
CV Link is a 50-mile multi -modal transportation project that connects Palm Springs to Coachella. Nearly 4-miles of the
project runs through the City of Palm Desert; utilizing existing right-of-way along Parkview Drive, Monterey Avenue,
and Magnesia Falls.
On May 15, 2017, the Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG) Executive Committee adopted
Resolution No. 17-003 certifying the Environmental Impact Report (SCH#2013111050) and adopted a Mitigation
This is to advise that the City of Palm Desert
(❑ Lead Agency or 0 Responsible Agency)
described project on July 12, 2018 and has made the following determinations regarding the above
(date)
described project.
has approved the above
1. The project [® will ❑ will not] have a significant effect on the environment.
2. ® An Environmental Impact Report was prepared for this project pursuant to the provisions of CEQA.
❑ A Negative Declaration was prepared for this project pursuant to the provisions of CEQA.
3. Mitigation measures [® were ❑ were not] made a condition of the approval of the project.
4. A mitigation reporting or monitoring plan [® was ['was not] adopted for this project.
5. A statement of Overriding Considerations [® was ❑ was not] adopted for this project.
6. Findings [® were ❑ were not] made pursuant to the provisions of CEQA.
This is to certify that the final EIR with comments and responses and record of project approval, or the
negative Declaration, is available to the General Public at:
Coachella Valley Association of Governments: 73710 Fred Waring Drive #200, Palm Desert, CA 92260
Signature (Public Agency): Title: Director of Community Development
Date: July 12, 2018
Date Received for filing at OPR:
Authority cited: Sections 21083, Public Resources Code.
Reference Section 21000-21174, Public Resources Code. Revised 2011
3
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To: Lauri Aylaian, Palm Desert City Manager
cc: Ryan Stendell, Palm Desert Director of Community Development
From: Tom Kirk, CVAG Executive Director
Date: May 24, 2018
Re: CV Link in Palm Desert — On -Street Path Segments
Lauri, as you noted in our last meeting, given some turnover of staff at the City of Palm Desert,
there may not be much institutional memory regarding how we developed CV Link plans through
the City. Hopefully the following information provides some background. CVAG and City
coordination has greatly improved with your and Ryan's direct involvement in meetings over the
last year. The City's willingness to consider major changes to the City's right of way to
accommodate more ambitious pedestrian and bike/golf cart facilities is very welcome. That said,
it is obvious to both of us that you and I are not on the same page. Following is a draft paper that
could be used by me, by you, or preferably by both of us to inform and engage the City Council
or the City's CVAG Executive Committee and Transportation Committee representatives, who
have been more engaged with the project over the years. We clearly need direction from the City
Council on how best to proceed. I don't want to engage our consultants in more expensive
reworking of an already approved project without clear direction from the City. Please review the
following, which includes my recommendations for how best to proceed.
While my recommendation on how best to proceed is included in the paper, I am open to other
options, such as simply turning the entire effort — including design — over to the City and have
CVAG reimburse the city for what are CV Link costs. Such an approach could give you and the
City much more control over process and outcomes and make CVAG the reimbursing agency like
we are for many conventional transportation projects. I have invested much of my time directing
the current effort and have a heavy involvement in the re -design for this segment. But I would
support the City's decision to take the lead, and such an approach would allow me to scale back
my involvement and allow me to focus on other parts of CV Link and other priorities as well.
Draft -May 24, 2018
CV LINK — Palm Desert
On -Street Improvements and ❑ecisions for the City Council
Introduction
The CV Link route in Palm Desert is a mix of on an off-street path — a 14-foot-wide concrete path
mionenimmil in the same design as the first CV Link section
constructed in Cathedral City and Palm Springs — and
an on -street path using existing City right of way, like
bike paths and sidewalks. The subject of this
memorandum is the on -street segments in and along the
city's right of way (shortened to be called the Parkview-
Monterey-Magnesia Falls Section, ❑r "PMM section").
The PMM section is from the border of the City of
Rancho Mirage to where the on -street section meets the
off-street section at Magnesia Falls and ❑eep Canyon,
First segment of CV Link in Cathedra! City as depicted on the following map.
1
Rendering of on -street CV Link design
The PMM section is the longest ''on -street"
section of CV Link in the Coachella Valley. The
vast majority of the CV link project in the
Coachella Valley is located either on levees or in
and along stormwater channels and facilities.
This on -street section serves multiple purposes.
CV Link "veers" off of the stormwater channel in
Palm Desert to avoid running through Monterey
County Club and, very importantly, to connect to
major trip destinations, such as College of the
Desert and the Palm Desert Civic Center. These
on -street elements of CV Link do not involve the same level of construction and improvement as
the off-street, because they utilize existing infrastructure.
Background — Approved CV Link in Palm Desert
CV Link is the core of the active transportation network for the Coachella Valley. It will create a
40-plus mile long path that snakes its way from Palm Springs to Coachella. It is one of the largest
bike -and -pedestrian projects in the nation built within an urban environment (there are longer
recreational trails in forests and other open space areas). It is also a project that is funded with a
variety of sources that are reflective of the projects benefits, including improving the valley's air
quality, providing safer active transportation routes and helping the region achieve its public health
goals. It is a "federalized" project. As City staff can attest. there are substantial procedural, legal
and other requirements that accompany these types of projects, which complicates them and
often greatly increases the time and costs associated with approvals and getting the project out
to bid and constructed.
CV Link is also an approved project. One year ago, on May 15, 2017 during a special meeting in
the Palm Desert City Council Chambers, CVAG's Executive Committee approved the project and
certified the Environmental Impact Report (EIR). It was approved after extensive public
involvement and outreach that involved hundreds of events, as well as design development that,
in the case of the on -street elements in Palm Desert, was done in cooperation with City staff.
Below is a rendering of the CV Link design as presented in the EIR for the on -street sections of
CV Link in Palm Desert.
2
4 1111111.1.
This section of CV Link was proposed to entirely utilize existing bike/golf cart paths and sidewalks
in the city. The bike path along Magnesia Falls and adjacent sidewalks provide a relatively safe
and convenient east -west connection from CV Link in the wash to College of the Desert and points
further west. The sidewalk on Monterey adjacent to COD was not ideal; but since it already allows
pedestrian, bike and golf cart use, it was incorporated into the plan, as were existing bike lanes
on Parkview. The CV Link project terminates at Parkview and Highway 111, near the border with
Rancho Mirage.
City as Lead Agency
The PMM section of CV Link requires substantial City of Palm Desert involvement and
concurrence, such as the issuance of an encroachment permit. Most of the rest of CV Link
requires stormwater agency involvement, Coachella Valley Water District and/or Riverside County
Flood Control District involvement. City Public Works staff indicated early on in this process
that the PMM project would be managed and constructed by City Public Works staff, who
would procure and manage the contractor. CVAG would reimburse the City for the cost of the
project. This mirrors the project management structure that the City of Cathedral City led for the
successful first segment.
San Pablo Avenue — CV Link
The City has separately developed a vision for San Pablo Avenue to make it a more pedestrian
friendly.
For the segment of San Pablo between the eastern entrance to the College of the Desert (COD)
to the Magnesia Falls three-way intersection, CV Link was going to be integrated with other City -
led improvements on San Pablo Avenue and CVAG would reimburse the City for CV Link
components.
3
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City's Proposed Roundabout at San Pablo & Magnesia Falls
SAN PABLO NORTH
two-way R'ckuaik (west sidn)., parer! parking lweu,100. diegonai earwfng (ease ddel
A
Vision San Pablo design, as presented to Palm Desert Council in 2017
The City's proposed roundabout at the entrance and a roundabout at Magnesia Falls and San
Pablo, see the above diagram, would be the city's financial responsibility.
4
A new vision for Magnesia Falls
In summer 2017, City Staff indicated to CVAG staff that there was some interest from city officials
in reimagining Magnesia Falls. Magnesia Falls has wide travel lanes, low congestion levels, and
very high speeds. City staff asked the CVAG CV Link team for thoughts about how best to take
advantage of right-of-way along Magnesia Falls and on integrating CV Link with the City's San
Pablo vision.
While the openness to consider more ambitious designs for Magnesia Falls occurred after the CV
Link project was approved and would result in much additional work and a delay to build the PMM
section of CV Link, CVAG eagerly embraced the idea as it could substantially improve CV Link in
Palm Desert.
City staff and the CVAG CV link team met to coordinate and discuss next steps. The first step
was to decide how best to approach the section of San Pablo that the City wanted to engage a
design/build team to undertake. It was decided to leave the Magnesia Falls/San Pablo roundabout
out of the design -build package to give time for the reimagining of Magnesia Falls to take place.
The request for qualifications for San Pablo was released. But it is my understanding that the
response was weak, and the City is reconsidering its approach to improving San Pablo.
At the same time, the CVAG CV Link team began exploring options for Magnesia Falls and
meeting with the City to discuss the same. The City/CVAG team narrowed in on options that
turned the "on street" CV Link in Palm Desert into much more of a buffered bike lane approach
that greatly improved safety for pedestrians, bicyclists and those in golf carts.
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With this opportunity to reimagine the PMM section of CV Link, CVAG staff suggested the City
may want to consider extending this path a short distance from its planned terminus at Highway
111 and Parkview to the Bump and Grind trailhead, traveling along one or both sides of Painters
Path. This would provide a natural "starting/ending" point for CV Link in the western part of the
City, and connect it with one of the City's most popular outdoor amenities. However, since it was
outside of the scope of the CV Link environmental analysis and project description, it would be a
section of the project that would have to be paid for by the City, not CVAG.
6
CVLINK PALM DESERT / PARK VIEW At 111 / PROPOSED
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Additionally, the CVAG CV Link team suggested that the City -proposed roundabout at Magnesia
Falls and San Pablo may not be as conducive to bike and pedestrian safety as other approaches
and suggested a different approach to that intersection. However, the City's intersection here
would need to be integrated with the vision for San Pablo. Replacing the roundabout at this
intersection with a different approach could save the city substantial money.
So. Where Are We Today?
In April 2018, CVAG staff recommended to the CVAG committees that additional funding be set
aside for the upgraded designs in the City of Palm Desert, as well as on -call support for
connections to and from CV Link. CVAG's Executive Committee on April 30 approved the contract
amendment with Alta Planning and Design to do so.
CVAG staff met with City staff as it prepared the contract amendment. As it was explained
at the time, there may be improvements to the PMM project that are beyond the scope of
the CV Link EIR and project description, such as work along Painters Path to the Bump
and Grind Trailhead, and any such improvements would need to be paid for by the City.
However, payment for the enhancements to the CV Link project itself would be borne by
CVAG.
This approach is not unprecedented as CVAG reimburses cities regularly for parts of projects that
relate to the regional transportation program and other parts (such as tandscaped areas) that are
more locally directed. This summer, we are undertaking a section of CV Link in Palm Springs with
this same approach, where the City is the lead agency on a flood control project.
7
Additionally, during a recent meeting, Best Best & Krieger — the legal counsel for the City and
CVAG — advised both staffs that some additional steps should be undertaken to address State
environmental laws. Staff from the two agencies concurred that any additional environmental work
would be spearheaded and processed by the City and that the PMM section would be managed
by the City as well (as was originally planned). It is in the City's right of way and would likely
involve coordination with the improvements on San Pablo. For the Palm Desert section of CV Link
that's on the stormwater channel, CVAG would manage the construction project.
At the 2018 State of the City, the Mayor indicated the City's desire to start construction in Palm
Desert within a year.
Options and Discussion
While working within a City's right of way should make constructing CV Link improvements easier
than having to acquire right of way on the channel, it is proving to be challenging. As noted above,
within the City's right of way, the City is in control of the improvements.
For the PMM section, there are two broad options worth considering:
1. CVAG or the City could construct the improvements approved in the CVAG EIR as early
as fall 2018. If CVAG constructs the project, the City would need to approve an
encroachment permit. The improvements are modest and take advantage of existing bike
lanes and sidewalks.
2. The CVAG CV Link team can continue the redesign the PMM section. As the preliminary
plans show, this will make it more of an enhanced on -street section with substantial safety
and aesthetic improvements.
If option 2 is preferred, to proceed efficiently, it might be best if the City Council provides direction
to both CVAG and City staff on the scope of this project sooner rather than later. While I believe
the PMM project is substantially improved by extending it along Painter's Path to the Bump and
Grind trailhead, and by replacing the proposed roundabout at Magnesia Falls with a different
intersection design, these elements would be in the city's right of way and largely, or entirely, paid
for by the City. Therefore, Council direction is necessary to understand the City's interest in this
investment.
CVAG has secured the estimated funding needed to complete the enhancements to CV Link
within the scope of the EIR. It has been suggested that because CVAG had once considered
various bridges in Palm Desert, and may not build those bridges initially, that the cost "savings"
could be applied to other improvements in Palm Desert. An example that has been mentioned is
the bridge conceived for the Parkview/Monterey entrance to COD. I'd note that this bridge concept
was discarded early in the design process based on feedback from COD leadership, and it was
not included in the cost estimate of the "approved project" presented in May 2017. Because CV
Link is a regional project, CVAG doesn't maintain separate "city" budgets. Therefore, any cost
savings, or increases in one city's section of CV Link, are not debited or credited within that city.
8
Proposed Next Steps:
1. City Council provides direction to CVAG and City staffs on the scope of the project,
particularly the City -led extension on Painters Path extension and intersection improvements
2. CVAG CV Link Team prepares design and cost estimates
3. City and CVAG enter into a reimbursement agreement
4. City processes any environmental approval
5. City secures construction management
6. Construction
9
Klassen, Rachelle
From: Stanley, Jane
Sent: Tuesday, July 10, 2018 4:21 PM
To: Klassen, Rachelle
Cc: Miller, Miriam
Subject: 7/12/18 Council meeting re: Bicycle Safety & CV Link
Attachments: Bicycle Safety & CV Link Palm Desert.pdf
From: Bob Solomon[mailto:boblsolomon64@gmail.com]
Sent: Tuesday, July 10, 2018 4:13 PM
To: CityhallMail <Cityhall@cityofpalmdesert.org>
Subject: Att: Mayor & City Council Members re: Bicycle Safety & CV Link....
Dear Mayor Sabby Jonathan & Council Members,
Please see attachment I have prepared regarding important bicycle safety issues and CV Link.
I'd appreciate your attention to this letter prior to the city meeting on Thursday at 4 pm regarding CV Link.
Thank you,
Bob Solomon
1
July 10, 2018
Bicycle Safety: Attention: City Council
My name is Robert Solomon (Bob Solomon)
42905 Delaware St. , Palm Desert 92211
I am an avid bicycle rider. I ride for pleasure and exercise several times per week and do a 10 mile ride.
Normally I start on Warner Trial North to Hovley. There is no way to change the Tight as to cross and
head West on Hovley even though there is a bicycle lane on Hovley West bound. This is a major route
for bicyclists.
Solution: Install a bicycle cross button to change the light like at Tamarisk Row and Country Club Drive.
From there I head north to Cook Street. The next challenge is at Belmont Drive. The pavement there has
been ground down to alleviate a rise in the pavement in the bike lane. The problem is that it's extremely
grooved and rough, so much so, bicyclists have to go around it.
The next challenge is when Cook Street northbound comes to Frank Sinatra Drive. The road narrows and
the bicycle lane abruptly ends. Large trucks and buses are in the right hand lane and the bike riders have
to avoid them.
Solution: Remove one of the two left hand turn lanes on Cook Street because only one lane is necessary.
The second option would be to cut the curb and make an apron to the right and let the bike riders share
the sidewalk with pedestrians. The bike lane should continue past the University and all the way to
Gerald Ford Drive as there is none there now.
I make a right on Gerald Ford Drive and there is a shoulder or bicycle lane that could be improved. As I
continue on Gerald Ford to Frank Sinatra the bicycle lane also ends but should be extended to Frank
Sinatra as few cars make a right turn onto Frank Sinatra. I head east on Frank Sinatra where the road
eventually becomes Tamarisk Lane.
Tamarisk Lane has several environmental and safety hazards because the road is scored, broken up and
cracking.
Situation: Dust and sand accumulates in the pavement grooves, when vehicles pass the dust and sand is
stirred up causing bike riders to inhale this debris.
The aggregate is also breaking off the "peaks" of the grooves. This aggregate is picked up by vehicle tires
and can chip windshields. Even worse is when the aggregate hits a bicyclist.
This uneven and rough surface is dangerous because this reduces the co -efficiency of tires on a rough
surface. This increases emergency stop time.
Solution: Repave the road.
Another safety issue is bushes and trees encroaching on bike paths and the city should remove or trim
these back throughout the city.
The most dangerous intersection for pedestrians and bicyclists is at Washington Ave North at Varner
Road. The cars make a right turn from Washington to get on the freeway, as they can make a right on
red. They do not wait for pedestrians and bicyclists to clear the cross walk, even though the pedestrian
has an "ok to walk" sign. This cross walk crosses 8 lanes of traffic!
Solution: Make a "no right turn" on red on this intersection.
The very best solution for bicvcle safety is CV Link, but it has to have stretches of at least 20 miles.
How do we get Indian Wells and Rancho Mirage to cooperate????
Sinceerrellye,
Robert (Bob) Solomon, concerned citizen