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HomeMy WebLinkAboutinfo Report - lorida Avenue Sidewalk ReportCITY OF PALM DESERT PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT STAFF REPORT REQUEST: Receive and File Informational Report SUBMITTED BY: John A. Garcia, P.E., Engineering Manager DATE: April 27, 2006 CONTENTS: Excerpt of Minutes from 01-13-05 City Council Meeting 02-10-05 Informational Item Staff Report Excerpt of Minutes from 02-10-05 City Council Meeting Vicinity Map Recommendation: �U1 Receive and file informational report regarding the history of the abandoned Florida Avenue sidewalk related to the Fred Waring Drive widening project. Discussion: As the Fred Waring Drive widening project developed in 2004, it became clear that the widening and the construction of the soundwall on the north side of Fred Waring Drive could impede foot and bicycle traffic along the stretch between California Street and Elkhorn Trail. Staff recommended construction of a sidewalk on Florida Avenue to accommodate this traffic. At the regular City Council meeting of January 13, 2005, a few residents of Florida Avenue voiced their opposition to the construction of such a sidewalk. In response to these citizens' concerns, Council directed staff to provide a report at the next meeting, responding to the concerns expressed by the residents. At the regular City Council meeting of February 10, 2005, Public Works Department staff submitted a report responding to the residents' concerns. Council accepted the report and authorized staff to abandon the Florida Avenue sidewalk project. Submitted By: J n A. Garcia, P.E. Engineering Manager Approval: 4emj� Homer Croy ACM for Development ices Department Head: M reenwood, P. Director of Public Works Carlos L. Ort ra City Manager idni MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 13, 2005 VI. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - Councilman Richard S. Kelly VII. INVOCATION - Mayor Pro Tern Jim Ferguson VIII. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - B MR. LOTHAR VASHOLZ, Public Relations for the Coachella Valley Trauma Intervention Program (TIP), addressed the City Council with a report on his organization=s activities. He stated that program was a partnership with the communities of the Valley and volunteers who, since October 1, 2003, provided emergency help, upon being called by emergency personnel, for suicides, motor vehicle accidents, fires, family abuse situations, and unattended deaths, with 24-hours-per-day, 7-days-per-week coverage. He related that they'd made nearly 400 service calls, assisting three or four persons on each. Additionally, on Monday, February 7, TIP was providing a seven -hour program for emergency personnel, a study on first aid in traumatic situations, and the program had been approved for continuing education units (fliers were provided to the City Clerk's Office). He thanked the City Council for its support of the program, present and future, which had been in place 15 months in the Coachella Valley and 20 years nationally. Having been personally involved in some of the calls, he spoke to the value its volunteers were able to provide to both those who were affected by a trauma and to the emergency personnel sent to render aid. MR. RICHARD LEE, 76-981 Florida Avenue, Palm Desert, spoke to the City Council, advising that he had a document signed by 150 residents on his street about the extreme concern and displeasure with the current Fred Waring Drive widening and sidewalk project along Florida Avenue. He said both projects were going to severely impact his residence, purchased just three months ago without disclosure of these projects. He implored the City Council to explain how this could occur, citing the devaluation of his property with the soundwall to be built in his back yard, which will eliminate his pool and landscaping, the tremendous traffic noise and heavy truck impact, and the threat of vehicles leaving the roadway and crashing into his and his neighbors' property. He said this was in addition to the loss of six feet that would also be taken from the front yard with the sidewalk project. He threatened to take legal action to compensate him for the impacts he will suffer. MR. ANTHONY FRANTHCONI (sp?), 76-911 Florida Avenue, Palm Desert, said he had the same issues as Mr. Lee, and he wished to go on record with the same concern -- quality of life. He said it would be a freeway in his back yard; didn't matter whether the home was soundproof, traffic noise was constant. He wanted some compensation, such as double windows or whatever was needed to make their life better. He also questioned how this process was approved without protest. He, too, moved into his home only three months ago. 3 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 13, 2005 MS. GINA SANDOVAL, resident of Florida Avenue, Palm Desert, said she supported the prior two speakers. She also asked the City Council what would happen to the value of her home once the traffic impact became even greater. Mayor Crites asked staff to provide a report at the next meeting, responding to the concerns expressed by the three speakers living on Florida Avenue. IX. AWARDS, PRESENTATIONS, AND APPOINTMENTS A. PRESENTATION TO RECOGNIZE RIVERSIDE COUNTY SHERIFF=S DEPUTY MICHAEL BARROS, ONE OF PALM DESERT'S OWN RETURNING HEROES FROM OPERATION "IRAQI FREEDOM." Palm Desert Assistant Chief of Police Steve Thetford called Deputy Barros to the front of the Chamber and commented that he has seven years of law enforcement service at the Palm Desert Station and 16 years of military service, including current service in the Army Reserve. Further, Deputy Barros is a Sgt. First Class assigned to Alpha Company of the 425tn Civil Affairs Battalion, serving two tours during Operation Iraqi Freedom. The first tour was spent training Military Police personnel who were preparing to be deployed to Iraq. On the second tour, he was stationed in Baghdad to lead a unit with a mission of stabilizing the Iraqi Government. Deputy Barros survived several intense firefights with his unit, and during this tour, only three of his men were wounded; fortunately, none were killed. The Palm Desert Police, Sheriff's Department, and residents of the City were thankful for his service and for his safe return to our community. On behalf of the City Council and the citizens of Palm Desert, Mayor Crites made a special presentation of an engraved brass platter and a $100 gift certificate to Sullivan's Steakhouse to Deputy Barros, recognizing his service to our country and to Palm Desert. Upon Mrs. Gilligan=s request, Asst. Chief Thetford went on to report that there had been a change in command in the Palm Desert Sheriff's Station; former Captain Pat McManus had received a promotion to Chief Deputy of West County Operations. The new Station Commander was Captain Craig Kilday, who would also be Chief of Police for the City of Palm Desert. Capt. Kilday is a 26-year veteran on the force, a great deal of that time from the Palm Desert Station. CITY OF PALM DESERT PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT STAFF REPORT REQUEST: Informational Item — Response to Residents Speaking at Council Meeting 01-13-05 Regarding Fred Waring Widening and Florida Avenue Sidewalk Projects SUBMITTED BY: Public Works Department DATE: February 10, 2005 CONTENTS: Transportation Engineer Report Mail List for Public Meeting 03-31-04 Recommendation: • Receive and file informational report. • Initiate discussion regarding feasibility of Florida Avenue Sidewalk Project. Discussion: At the City Council meeting on January 13, 2005 concerns were raised by residents Richard Lee (it is believed this resident also goes by the name Rick Coster), Anthony Fantacone, and Gina Sandoval. The following information is provided per City Council's request. In addition, this report addresses concerns posed by resident Andrew Bader, who has contacted the Public Works Department on multiple occasions since January 14, 2005. In the following text we will bullet -point each concern and offer our response: • The City is acting without informing the public and giving the public due process. A public meeting was held in City of Palm Desert Council Chambers on March 31, 2004. Invitation notices were sent out to affected residents (mailing list attached). A public meeting was held in the City of Indian Wells Council Chambers on May 6, 2004. Invitation notices were sent out to affected residents of Indian Wells and Palm Desert, and included the addresses on Florida Ave. G:IPubWorks1Staff Reports120051February 101lnformational Item Fred Waring Widening Project. doc Staff Report February 10, 2005 Page 2 of 4 Both cities have retained the services of WEC Corporation for project management, which includes a designated Community Liaison. The Liaison has on two occasions gone door-to-door to distribute letters from Michael Errante, and to date has personally met with 54 of the 69 residents on Florida Avenue. Our records indicate that Florida Avenue residents Lee (Coster), Fantacone, and Sandoval purchased their properties after the time of the public meeting, which becomes a disclosure issue between the buyer and the seller. Mr. Bader did attend the meeting on March 31, as is evidenced by his name on the sign -in sheet. At the meeting on March 31, display boards which were made specifically for the meeting indicated the proposed alignment of the sound wall and roadway on Fred Waring. These displays indicate the planned relocation of the existing Fred Waring roadside curbing to approximately 7-14 feet northward, which is within the existing right-of-way. • The City is imposing easements which reduce the size of back yards. The project plans conform to the display boards presented at the March 31 public meeting. These displays clearly indicate the new sound wall will be placed exactly at the existing wall location in most cases. In the cases where the wall location will change, the resident will gain back yard square footage. In no case will any resident lose back yard space, even though an easement does exist which would allow the City to do so. Private pools, spas, landscaping and other property will be damaged during the new sound wall installation, with no recompense to the owners. Photographs are being taken of existing affected back yards. Private property which is damaged as a result of the project will be repaired at the City's expense. No pools will be removed even though several are located within the public right-of-way. • The Fred Waring widening will increase noise levels by cars and trucks. The proposed sound wall will provide a noise barrier to help mitigate noise issues. Additionally, the City's practice of using gap -graded rubberized asphalt will help reduce the noise levels experienced by the residents. Fred Waring Drive is a designated truck route and a regional arterial roadway over which the City of Palm Desert does not have exclusive jurisdiction. The City Transportation Engineer has prepared a report (included) addressing the restriction of truck traffic along Fred Waring Drive. It is the conclusion of the staff that Fred Waring Drive should remain a designated truck route in the City of Palm Desert. As proven by our many successful roadway widening projects, noise levels will actually be lower after completion of the project. G:IPubWorksXStaffReportsl2005kFebruary 10Vnformational Item Fred Waring Widening Project.doc Staff Report February 10, 2005 Page 3 of 4 • The closer proximity of the road to the sound wall creates unsafe conditions. It is the professional opinion of civil engineers involved in this project that the proposed retaining wall will provide greater protection against vehicles leaving the road than do the existing wooden fences and block garden walls. The double -wall construction (one retaining wall, one sound wall) proposed for some areas of this project would afford still greater protection. Closer proximity of the wall to the road could result in quicker deflection of an errant vehicle. • Speed will increase along Fred Waring Drive, creating unsafe conditions. Speed limits are established according to the California Vehicle Code. Referring again to the Transportation Engineer's report (included), the rules must be fair and reasonable in order for responsible drivers to comply. In effect, it is the drivers who decide the appropriate speed limit when they drive. It should be noted that other portions of Fred Waring have been improved to six lanes with no increase in speeds. • Property values will decrease. As a result of the new sound wall the back side of properties will have an improved, uniform appearance with an architectural treatment. Residents whose back yards are increased may also experience an increase in property value as a result of this increase. Other portions of Fred Waring have been improved to six lanes and there has been no reduction in property value. Completing the ultimate widening at this time may actually increase property values by removing any speculation regarding potential future improvements. Florida Avenue Sidewalk Project will destroy private property and result in loss of land. The public right-of-way extends to ten feet behind the curb. The proposed sidewalk would be six feet wide; therefore, no private property will be damaged. Residents who have installed private property within the public right-of-way (mailboxes, decorative items) would be given the opportunity to move these items prior to the beginning of construction. However, due to the opposition to this project by the residents, staff has reconsidered the various alternatives regarding the sidewalk on Florida Avenue: 1. The original plan was to build out toward the street; more current data has shown there may be insufficient street width to consider this and it may conflict with existing utilities. 2. Build the sidewalk behind the curb, which would result in disrupting the residents and existing landscaping. 3. In lieu of building the sidewalk, sign the route so that bicyclists and pedestrians can use the surface street on Florida Avenue. G:IPubWorkslStaffReports120051February 1OVnformabonal Item Fred Waring Widening Project.doc Staff Report February 10, 2005 Page 4of4 Widening Fred Waring Drive will have no impact on pedestrian and bicycle volumes on Florida Avenue. Pedestrians and bicyclists have traveled on the roadway on Florida Avenue for 40 years without incident. Given the above conditions, the expense of engineering and constructing the sidewalk on Florida Avenue may not be justified against the benefits. The cost is estimated at $300,000, while there has been no proven demand or benefit to proceeding with the project. Staff requests that Council initiate discussion on the alternatives for the sidewalk, and is seeking direction so that a recommendation can be brought forth for action at the next Council meeting. SMy:W Mark Gregnwood, P.E. City Engineer Approval: Homer Croy ACM for Development Services Carlos Orteg City Manager Department ead: (V Michael Erdante, P.E. Director of Public Works Paul Gibson Finance Director /dhl * By Minute Motion: 1) Received and CITY C'OUNCI� ACTION: Filed the report; 2) authorized staff APPROVED ^` DENIED to abandon the Florida Avenue sidewalk RECEIVED I fi lQd OTHER project, as discussed in the report. 5-0 MEETING DATE `�� l0 —057 AYE'S: tsne.1,'31J1 1 .t-%e-Q6 LSl�l�NOEi aS.: RESENT: j4me- ABSTAIN:Moe— VERIFIED BY:� Original on File �"ler1�P Office G:IPubWorkslStaNReports120051February 1011nformational Item Fred Waring Widening Project.doc MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 10, 2005 D. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF PARCEL MAP 31563 (Holt Architects, Applicant) (Continued from the meeting of January 27, 2005). Mr. Greenwood said staff would like to schedule this item for a later date. Councilman Spiegel moved to, by Minute Motion, continue the matter to a time uncertain. Motion was seconded by Councilman Kelly and carried by a 4-0 vote, with Councilman Ferguson ABSENT. XVI. OLD BUSINESS A. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF PARCEL MAP NO. 30342 (SGH Partners, L.P./Premier Business Properties, Applicant). Councilman Spiegel moved to waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 05-6, approving the Final Subdivision Map of Parcel Map No. 30342 and the agreement relating thereto. Motion was seconded by Councilman Kelly and carried by a 4-0 vote, with Mayor Pro Tern Ferguson ABSENT. B. RESPONSE TO RESIDENTS REGARDING THE FRED WARING DRIVE WIDENING AND FLORIDA AVENUE SIDEWALK PROJECTS. Mayor Crites commended staff for the excellent explanation provided in the report. Councilman Spiegel moved to, by Minute Motion: 1) Receive and file the report; 2) authorize staff to abandon the Florida Avenue sidewalk project, as discussed in the report. Motion was seconded by Councilman Kelly and carried by a 5-0 vote. XVII. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF THE EXCHANGE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE PALM DESERT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY AND DESERT WELLS 237, LLC, FOR THE EXCHANGE OF APPROXIMATELY 0.86 ACRES LOCATED AT THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF PORTOLA AVENUE AND FRANK SINATRA DRIVE (CONTRACT NO. R23430) (JOINT CONSIDERATION WITH THE PALM DESERT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY). Mr. McCarthy reported that this item reflected a neutral exchange between two property owners, one being the Redevelopment Agency, and the other is Desert Wells 237, LLC. 13 Jl rFI.ii O N LL �r I O M N m W DAKOTA TR ELKHORN TR Q N O cp O cu co LL CM � O O Z Q Q U Q N 2 f9 O \ N LL O — c co— 0 e- CO - Q�z oo Q UQ 03 = a� o ' — C 0 M p COI - � M — _ 06�CO y� O Z co — — N > C%4 — Q — O C u- - a O -4 —_ — co UCO _ — cu z INDIAN WELLS LN Cl) 1 Z W W >2 W 0 > O CD w Roo Q J J oa W W Q LL Z 1 O U)